Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And, because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” In fact, Gratitude Circle, founded by Najma Khorrami, of Fairfax County, Va., follows that saying with a lifestyle platform featuring a social media app and gratitude hotline. Geared to amplifying the best instincts in human nature, its vision is to pursue a peaceful, inspired and grateful world.

Khorrami, a public health professional, who has worked for the Center for Global Health and Diplomacy, is also the author of two books and has contributed to renowned publications, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Psychology Today and the Huffington Post. Khorrami wrote her first children’s and adult book to share self-care strategies and reasons to be grateful. “Self-Care with Ted and Friends” is for children ages four to eight years old, although the concepts in the book can be discussed with kids as young as one year and up to 11 years.

“The lessons in ‘Self-Care with Ted and Friends’ are great discussion starters between teachers and students or parents and children,” said Khorrami. “Children so young are like sponges, and with the right tools in their pockets, they have the emotional, social and physical skill sets to make their dreams come true. In this day and age, finding balance between work and life is monumental.”

She said that as a public health professional, she wanted kids to understand the concepts of self-care and gratitude, but didn’t see anything out there that did that.

Khorrami said self-care is a skill set that really harnesses that balance, and a gratitude-centered mindset is fundamental to developing the right balance just as much.

“A Spoonful of Gratitude” is a compilation of Khorrami’s articles and research on gratitude, self-help and much more. A collection of 68 articles published over five years tells why gratitude is the foundation of self-growth. With a combination of emotion and experience, Khorrami gives tools necessary to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest. It offers researched-based evidence and advice that will help reduce stress, find confidence and improve mental and physical health.

“The timing for both books is great because a lot of people understand the importance of self-care much more after COVID than before,” said Khorrami. “When I started the books, COVID already hit, and I figured this would be great timing.”

Her startup, Gratitude Circle, is an inspiration for writing both books. Since Gratitude Circle is dedicated to all things well-being, Khorrami thought the books would complement its vision.

“I never dreamed of becoming a children’s author, but the timing and motivation just seemed to make it work,” said Khorrami. I love sharing important lessons with little ones so they can have an advantage in life.”

Khorrami said she values the work of teachers tremendously. Her fifth-grade teacher was fabulous, and she’s had many other teachers who showed what incredibly important work they do.

Khorrami earned a graduate degree from George Washington University and a Certificate in Global Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

To find out more about Gratitude Circle and to order Khorrami’s books, visit gratcircle.com/shop. For author visit requests, story ideas and other requests, email [email protected].