In 2022, my younger daughter, Ariela, created one of the greatest birthday gifts for me: a photo collage that captures our family in moments of joy, happiness, and celebration. Since that birthday, Ariela’s collage has prominently sat facing me on my desk, reminding me of the gratitude I have for her and my entire family. The collage has been one of the most impactful daily gratitude interventions in my life – it amplifies the good in my life and grounds me during difficult times – positive psychology at its best.
Fast forward to today, October 24, 2025, Ariela is with me in Philadelphia celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program. She is now a senior at American University studying Psychology and Criminology, and she shares my love for positive psychology. Ariela told me just the other day, “I am so grateful to have grown up around the values and guidance of positive psychology. Entering adulthood continues to bring me new experiences and challenges, and the practice of gratitude I learned from you continues to stay with me and keep me grounded. I am so excited to follow in your footsteps and pass on these ideals with my children in the future.”
I am grateful for all the positive influences the MAPP program has had on my life. If I were to include another photo in my birthday collage, it would be one of Ariela and me in Philadelphia at the MAPP Summit, surrounded by MAPP friends and colleagues from around the world.
