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Welcome message!

Greetings- and welcome to the launch of my new blog: Enter Positive Psychology.  I’ll explain the title in a bit but first let me talk about the purpose behind this blog.  I returned to school a few years back to get a masters degree in applied positive psychology, the study of well-being and life satisfaction.  The key word here is “applied”. I am not a researcher, nor do I consider myself an academic.  My interest in this field has to do with applying the principles – all the “stuff” that has been studied and reported on—in my life.  That’s why I went back to school.  I want to “kick the tires”- see if and how the theories work.  Then I want to pass along these learning’s to others—really anyone who has a similar interest in learning and using positive psychology—either personally or professionally (or both).    

I think I’m a good candidate for the purpose and goals behind this relatively new science.  While I have a good life, I also believe that I could be doing more. And, while I’m a generally happy person, I also have my share of ups and downs—mostly minor events with a few upheavals thrown in now and then.  But here again, I think I could be happier.

I’d like to be less judgmental

I’d like to express gratitude and forgiveness more genuinely

I would like more quality relationships in my life.

I’d like to improve the relationships that I have- especially with my siblings

I want to continue personal development—learning and experiencing new things- before my brain starts to fizzle.

I’d like an avocation—something outside of work that could really put me into a state of “flow”

I’d like to switch my brain to the off position—and just relax more often than I do.

I’d like to expand my sphere of giving beyond my current nucleus (basically my family).

So this is where positive psychology enters the picture for me (thus helping to explain the title of my blog).  Can the theories behind character strengths, positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose – and the other principles of positive psychology—help me accomplish some or all of these things?  And in the end, will I be happier?  Will I lead a more flourishing life?

Well, that’s what we shall see.

Zippy is happy

Gratitude and Forgiveness

Don’t we all want to be happy – and live a fulfilled and contented life? But why then do many of us spend much of our time being unhappy and discontented?  Why do we complain about what we don’t have more often than giving thanks for what we do have?   Do you find yourself holding on to grudges?  Do we really believe that happiness and contentment are just around the corner if only we could get there? If only we could get even?  Try a dose of gratitude and forgiveness—you will be amazed at how powerful a medicine these can be especially when you practice offering them every day.  This course will introduce you to the simple yet complex theories behind gratitude and forgiveness.

I just completed the Good Life Survey. The results came up quickly and I was impressed with the feedback. I am truly one of the most positive people I know, but see that I could use a weekend on a mountaintop to reassess a few things!

Patty Downes, Dutch Hill Design, Tully NY