Zone Positive

The happiest people have strong relationships in their lives. http://tinyurl.com/29gseclb

Relationships are paramount to  our survival and our well-being http://tinyurl.com/y9k2adt

How to get along with a workplace bully (wish I had read this years ago) http://tinyurl.com/2bsnxt9

Is resilience as easy as ABC..DE? Good article on a  way of coping with adversity: http://tinyurl.com/24nqpse

What helps when adversity hits? Some good suggestions in this article http://tinyurl.com/yhbtfmz

Resiliency skills for a lifetime of ups and downs. Good article here http://tinyurl.com/26utz7u

What are your top 5 character strengths- find out http://tinyurl.com/26ou4me

How are you using your top character strengths- simple exercise to find out http://tinyurl.com/2cnsj4e

Using your strengths in activities you enjoy (and those you hate) http://tinyurl.com/2a286ph

The case for a more balanced approach to clinical assessment which focuses as much on strength as it does on weakness http://tinyurl.com/27gvz5y

Use your strengths–enjoy your  job more and be more productive at your job http://tinyurl.com/y9czjcq

Helping children get into a state where they are receptive to learning-using their strengths in school http://tinyurl.com/284t3ss

Good book on building/using  resilience in your life: http://tinyurl.com/2a3yswe

This book made a lot of sense to me- cognitive approach to resilience  http://tinyurl.com/28×2293

Karen Reivich– an expert in resilience- and hilarious as a teacher. Here’s her book: http://tinyurl.com/2e6gya9

Meaning in work vs. meaning at work—there’s a big difference. Try this exercise http://tinyurl.com/24uot85

Do you see opportunities or only  limitations in your future? Try this exercise http://tinyurl.com/2chbkdr     

Do you have a job, a career, or a calling? Try this exercise for more insight http://tinyurl.com/2beyv74

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

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.

How do people deal with difficult situations that change their lives? The death of a loved one, loss of a job, serious illness, terrorist attacks and other traumatic events: these are all examples of very challenging life experiences. Many people react with strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty.  Yet other people generally adapt well over time to life-changing situations and stressful conditions.  This course will help you understand the power of  resilience and how it can help you  cope with the ups and downs of life.

Who doesn’t have a habit they’d like to kick!  Ever feel as if you’ve tried everything and still no luck?  Maybe its time for a scientifically proven approach.  Gain a deeper understanding of the change process and how it can be used to enrich your life, to move you closer to a state of enduring happiness and well being.  Embracing change is one of the most important pathways to getting there.