Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about recognizing the impact of the good things in our lives and appreciating how they have shaped us over time. Gratitude is about savoring positive experiences from the past.

Whether it’s for a mentor who guided us or a friend who supported us during tough times, expressing gratitude helps us focus on the positive aspects of our world. This practice not only lifts our mood but also strengthens our relationships, builds resilience, and enhances our overall well-being. Think of it as a mental workout for both your heart and mind.

One popular gratitude exercise in positive psychology is the gratitude visit. Introduced by Martin Seligman in his book Authentic Happiness (2004), this activity involves writing a heartfelt letter of about 250 words to someone who has made a significant contribution to your life whom you have never thanked. The idea is to deliver this letter in person, sit with them face-to-face, and read it aloud. The impact is profound. Both you and the recipient experience a deep connection and positive emotions that linger long after the visit ends.

But what if the person you want to thank is no longer in your life? Maybe they’ve passed away, or perhaps you’ve lost touch over the years. Does that mean you can’t experience the benefits of a gratitude visit? Not at all.

This is where Dan Tomasulo’s (2019) virtual........

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