Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

Marcus Tullius Cicero - 106 BCE – 43 BCE

Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, lawyer, and philosopher. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest speakers in the history of the Roman Republic and one of its most influential thinkers. Cicero's writings not only shaped the Latin language itself but also laid the foundation for the foundational thinking behind Western law, ethics, and government.

He lived during a time of immense political instability, marked by civil wars, power struggles, and the eventual collapse of the Roman Republic. He was ultimately executed for opposing the dictatorship of Mark Antony. Cicero’s legacy endures in the form of his speeches, philosophical works, and letters, which reflect a profound concern for justice, duty, and the moral responsibilities of leadership and citizenship.

Cicero knew that gratitude is not just one admirable trait among many; it is the foundation from which all other virtues emerge.

Where across the course of your day today, could you consider where it might be that you are consciously aware of your gratitude practices?

When you think of what you have (gratitude), what you lack seems to disappear. When you think of what you lack (ingratitude), what you have seems to disappear.

We all have something for which to be grateful. Gratitude fuels humility.

To be grateful requires recognising that you have received something from life, from others, or from the divine. That recognition naturally cultivates humility, one of the pillars of virtuous character.

When we appreciate what we've been given, we’re more inclined to give. In this sense, gratitude gives rise to charity, kindness, and compassion.

A grateful person values what matters and who helped them. That loyalty and sense of indebtedness can lead to honesty, loyalty, and trustworthiness.

Gratitude inspires courage and perseverance. Focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, makes you more likely to move forward with strength. In this way, resilience and courage are strengthened through gratitude.

Where across the course of your day today, could you consider where it might be that you harness the tools you have at hand to increase your abundance through proactive intention?

Anyone who knows me well, has seen me use my adversities of the first half of this year, as fuel for action and as proof that if you use the tools you have at hand, with a bias for action, rather than blame and self-pity, then that is all that is needed to power through each day.

Dr. Daniel Amen, renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and founder of the Amen Clinics, considers sleep one of the most essential foundations for brain health and emotional well-being. His work, especially in "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" and other books, consistently highlights sleep as a "brain healer."

After analysing over 225,000 brain SPECT scans from patients in 155 countries, Dr. Daniel Amen found one pattern that’s impossible to ignore: sleep-deprived brains look darker, slower, and more imbalanced. The scans reveal that poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired; it shrinks the prefrontal cortex, suppresses emotional regulation, and sets the stage for anxiety, impulsivity, and cognitive decline. It’s not just how you feel the next morning, it’s how your brain functions in the long term. You can eat clean, train hard, and journal daily, but if you’re running on five hours of broken sleep, you’re basically building your goals on quicksand.

Where across the course of your day today, could you consider where it might be, that you scan your brain and body for signs of sleep deprivation?

I put myself to bed last night, glancing at the clock in the kitchen as I charged my silenced phone there. Knowing I had fallen asleep by 8:30 pm, I was in for a night of deep, restorative sleep, ensuring I woke feeling refreshed and activated. I would have strengthened my prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for focus, decision-making, and emotional balance, which would also help. I knew this decision would amplify emotional regulation, sharpen my thinking, and build a neurological foundation for calm, clarity, and creativity. My seven to eight hours of quality sleep were about to build tomorrow’s goals on bedrock.

In the depths of this cure-all sleep, my Garmin watch on my bedside table started buzzing. I was annoyed with myself for not considering the potential sleep disruption from the “smartphone and smart watch” combo.

When I went to the kitchen to disarm the connection, I read;

Dear David, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for being selected as the winner in the Personal Growth and Development category at the International Impact Book Awards! Your exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity have set you apart in a competitive field, and it is an honor to recognize your remarkable achievement.

This award is a testament to the impact your work has made in the literary world. Your story, your voice, and your commitment to excellence have resonated with readers and judges alike, and we are proud to celebrate your success. Winning this award is not just a moment of recognition but a significant milestone in your journey as an author, a reflection of the countless hours, passion, and perseverance you’ve invested in your craft.

I experienced a tired and emotional “tears of joy” moment in the wee hours of this day, and I’ll be heading to the States to collect this award at a gala night in November.

I have experienced such heartfelt gratitude from the well-wishes of friends and family, which has given me renewed vigour in promoting my book.

Gratitude isn’t just a good feeling; it’s the soil from which every other good character trait grows.

While you’re thinking about that, think about this and have a Gr8 day!

Be well.

DL

"The more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for."

Walt Disney - 1901 - 1966.