Practical life lessons often echo the principles of modern positive psychology research.

A single meaningful responsibility can anchor us during times of deep depression and anxiety.

Playfulness and gentle humor can defuse family conflict and foster inner peace.

"A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother."

Most of us have heard this saying and laughed. Although some psychological theories have overemphasized the mother’s role in a child’s psychological struggles, current thinking is more balanced and views the raising of a child as a collaborative venture. Regardless, a mother’s influence is far-reaching. There is no relationship like it. When my mother died, my grief was unparalleled. It was as though a part of me went with her—the part that was there from my beginning and could never be separated from her. Yet, at the same time, a part of her—her wisdom—stayed with me and lives on.

My mother never studied psychology at a university; life was her professor. Had she chosen a school of psychology, I think it would have been positive psychology. Her approach was values-based with a foundation of positivity.

Here are five life lessons I learned from her based on the values of optimism, responsibility, selflessness, love, creativity, playfulness, and peace.

My mother went through a terrible divorce at a time when divorce was shameful. She had a baby, no job, and had to move back in with........

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