Many of us have come to the conclusion, some with a little help from Soul Pancake, that practicing gratitude improves our lives in all sorts of ways. (And let's face it, gratitude takes practice.)

It's so legit Harvard has even studied it. One of the easiest ways to practice gratitude is to listen to songs that are full of it. (Plus listening to music has been correlated to increased happiness, sense of wellbeing and ability to pay attention.)

So the next time you need to remember the good things in life, check out these 11 songs. 1. Life is Wonderful - Jason Mraz

2. Who I am Today - Jason Mraz

Anyone who's heard Jason Mraz knows he's one grateful guy. Both of these songs have great live versions you can see below. In fact, Who I am Today wasn't recorded as part of an album and was only performed live. It's well worth the listen.

3. The Heart of Life - John Mayer

Even though our lives are often heartbreaking this song highlights how truly good life is. It portrays love and hope defeating darkness and pain, and is the perfect song to list to when bad things that happen in the world.

We will all experience pain and loss. We may not always understand things outside of our control, but I truly believe, "The Heart of Life is Good!"

4. Prayer of Thanksgiving

Written by an anonymous composer in the Netherlands in 1625-26, Prayer of Thanksgiving is a beautiful hymn that shows the message of gratitude is not a temporary one.

5. Song for My Father - Sarah McLachlan

For those of us who are lucky to have parents who put countless hours of time, support, and love into raising us there aren't really words to express our thankfulness.

This song is a good start. Even when we start to relate as adults we still don't tell them enough how much we appreciate all they have done for us.

6. Kind and Generous - Natalie Merchant

This song tells the story of a great friendship. Natalie Merchant blends her soulful singing and lyrics into a great tribute of thanks to those in her life who have given the gift of friendship.

7. Blessed - Elton John

Children bring light and curiosity into the world. We should all be thankful for their bright inquisitive nature. This song is a beautiful tribute to all children. Elton John describes a future full of hope, love, and thankfulness. Children make the world better.

8. Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

The feeling of home this song portrays will make you thankful for the simple things. Home is about the people in your life and how they make you feel, not physical wealth or possessions.

9. Blessed - Brett Dennen

I love the simplicity of the message in this song. It conveys a feeling of pure joy and thankfulness for life.

10. Thank You - Dido

Although the singer is sad and frustrated, having one person in her life that she loves reminds her life is not so bad. It's easy to be bogged down by hardships. Finding one thing to be grateful for turns that perspective around, even when life seems too troubled.

11. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

This last song sums up a lot of the other points touched on in previous songs. Listening to Louis' conviction when he sings makes it hard to forget the awesome beauty in the world. Nat King Cole lived through turbulent times. Despite what he faced, he was able to be grateful.

Put these songs on in the background, call your parents to say thank you, kiss your spouse and kids and be mindful of the reasons you're grateful.

The post 11 songs to make you more grateful (even on the worst days) appeared first on FamilyToday.

Sinking your teeth into some Halloween planning? Or thirsting for mood music to get ready for the fun day? Here are eight spooky songs to haunt your Halloween playlist:

"Thriller"

Originally titled "Starlight", the epic hit, "Thriller," would have been a totally different song if they used the hook they had originally planned on: "Starlight! Starlight sun"¦"

Who knows why they decided to take the song in a different direction? But, we would have lost out on a whole cultural sensation if they hadn't.

Alternate choice: I think the original version is the best, but Imogen Heap has a starkly, creepy cover version that you might want to consider using to mix things up.

"Ghostbusters"

Millennials rejoice, I have not omitted this time honored classic from your formative years. I don't think you can says the words "Who you gonna' call?" without someone in the room responding "Ghostbusters!" Halloween or not.

I usually stick to Ray Parkers' original version for my Halloween playlist due to the fact that I think most of the covers are actually cornier than the original (I hope someone out there is reading this and thinking, "challenge accepted!" right now).

"Toccata and Fugue in D Minor"

It is somewhat mysterious how this first song became a staple among macabre music choices. Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" graces the soundtracks of some very creepy movies beginning in the 1920's.

It could be societal to some extent, as western cultures tend to associate happy music with major keys, and sad or scary music with minor keys. I like any version played on a real pipe organ vs. electronic. The dimension of the sound adds that extra creep factor for me.

"Mamma Told Me Not to Come"

This next one might seem like an odd choice for a Halloween playlist. But what could be scarier than your inner voice reflecting on your mother's advice not to do something?!

I know; it still strikes fear in my heart (Dear mom, if you are reading this, I am, of course, perfect and always make the right choice.). Three Dog Night's hit, "Mamma Told Me Not to Come," has always creeped me out, because seriously, nothing is creepier than not listening to your mamma!

"Don't Fear the Reaper"

Originally written about the foolishness of fearing death, "Don't Fear the Reaper" has been used on many Halloween playlists to the opposite effect. The songs' message was supposed to be one of eternal love, which is at odds with its minor scale chord progression.

Alternate choice: The Goo Goo Dolls have a little known flashier cover of this song that you could use to switch things up on your playlist.

"Maneater"

If you never thought of the Hall and Oates "Maneater" as a scary song before now, this may change your perspective:

Driving home from running errands one night, I heard my five year old son meekly asking from the back seat of the car if I would change the song. When I asked why, he explained, emotionally, that the song was really scaring him. Needless to say, he's not the only guy who feels terrified by this song.

Alternative choice: There is a nice cover version by Grace Mitchell from the soundtrack of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."

"Dead Man's Party"

This list may seem common with 80's classics, but this makes a lot of sense especially if you lived through the 80's.

Released in 1985, Oingo Boingo's, "Dead Man's Party" briefly references a short story by E.F. Benson called "The Bus Conductor" about a hearse driver, which adds to its creep factor.

Alternative choice: There is a cool live version on Spotify from the Oingo Boingo farewell tour.

"Monster Mash"

And finally, you couldn't make a proper list of Halloween music without including this last song. Written by Bobby Pickett and Leonard L. Capizzi, "Monster Mash" has been a Halloween favorite since it was released in 1962.

There have been quite a few covers since the original version came out, but I still enjoy the original version of this song the most!

This is one woman's brief list of spine tingling songs, but there's no shortage of additional creepy songs for you to explore to flesh out the rest of your playlist.

Creepy listening!

The post 8 Songs to Haunt your Halloween Playlist appeared first on FamilyToday.