Lisa Carlyon

Research shows that gratitude is a powerful tool which can unlock greater contentment, build resilience and improve health and wellbeing.

You hear about it, don't you? You know, the man in his 70s, the woman in her 60s running a marathon - reaching the finish line, elated and looking so strong, healthy and happy. Those tales seem so inspirational and we typically feel amazed that people THAT old can a) still run and b) run that far. The funny thing, though, is that as you get older you really do begin to realise that 'age is just a number' and that you are as young (or as old) as you feel.

Stoicism challenges us to take a good hard look at ourselves. It tests our moral virtue. And it pushes us to question our ethics and motives. Importantly, stoicism encourages self-awareness and gratitude, open-mindedness, non-bias and a deep connection with nature. In short, this philosophy oozes the promotion of a healthy attitude to life; one which is so compelling that you can't help but be drawn into self-analysis and, ultimately, self-awakening.