When we activate our strengths and virtues – like loyalty, integrity, equality, perspective – we feel good about ourselves, and can more easily access our grateful feelings. Positive emotions, such as “confidence, hope, and trust” — and positive institutions, such as “democracy, strong family, and free press” … “serve us best not when life is easy, but when life is difficult:”. These buffer us against misfortune and help build RESILIENCE. Negative emotions dissipate, Seligman believes, when we act philanthropically.

  body and soul, health, healthy living