Journalist and former Parade editor-in-chief, made a plan on New Year's Eve to practice gratitude for the next 365 days and to also "look on the bright side of whatever happens." She had received support from the John Templeton Foundation for her research on gratitude. Her findings: although more than 90 percent of those Americans surveyed thought that people who are grateful lead a better quality of life, less than half said they expressed gratitude for what they have on a regular basis.

Following the process recommended years ago by Oprah Winfrey, Kaplan wrote down in her journal every day three things for which she was grateful. At first, she felt inspired by the large blessings in her life but then as she continued she gradually became more alert to the little things that mattered and inspired her. Others agreed with her, including celebrities she interviewed.

Another lesson Kaplan learned was how important attitude is in the practice of gratitude. Thinking positively rather than negatively bolsters our physical and mental health. The author casts the net of gratitude widely with chapters on marriage, love, and family; money, career and the stuff we own; health; coping, caring, and connecting.

The final and most uplifting benefit of her twelve months of practicing gratitude was gaining "the simple ability to experience joy for almost any reason."