In this photo, Marty shows me the pictures of his grandkids from his phone—and for a brief moment, time folds into something larger. The scholar whose work has shaped my thinking, my language, and my life shares a simple, human joy. I’ve quoted and leaned on his insights countless times in my professional work and personal connections, and yet, in that moment, it was the embodiment of his teaching that spoke loudest.
My journey into positive psychology began years ago. I immersed myself in his books and was captivated by his storytelling. I was drawn in—not only to the science and the work, but to the human narrative behind it—and wanted to be part of this unique scientific community. Positive psychology, at its heart, is this: wisdom meeting wonder, science meeting soul. This image has become a symbol for me—reminding me of a journey that began long before I joined MAPP, and of how I’m now part of the story, one of the ripples carrying the work forward. Our legacy isn’t only in the theories we master, but in the moments of connection we carry—each one a quiet ripple toward human flourishing.
