Many people believe empathy is one of society’s most highly valued virtues because it connects us and allows us to function and live together in society. In our disconnected, virtual way of living, we slowly lose touch with others and start to see everything as a little less real. 

William James, the father of modern psychology, hypothesized that the relationship between emotion and behavior was a two-way street and that behavior can cause emotion and emotions can impact behavior. 

Gratitude is a state of mind that occurs when we acknowledge something good in our lives.  We can be grateful for people, events, things, but gratitude doesn’t have to be the result of a positive life circumstance.

Had a bad day and going home to a pint of chocolate ice cream? Is that an act self-pity or self-compassion? And does it make a difference?