https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c The idea we have for our life rarely matches up with the life we end up with. Plan A is fantasy. Plan B is reality. Growth is not a straight line, which is often a blessing in disguise, yet something we seldom realize in the thick of life. How do we move on from... Continue Reading →
Fight or Flight Threat Response Every time we feel threatened (threat is the fundamental definition of stress) our first instinct is to “fight or flight“. This perpetual “fight or flight” response loop eventually creates a host of secondary problems, above and beyond, the original stressor. Powerpoint Slide from Broaden and Build Leadership Event, January 2022... Continue Reading →
Freedom doesn’t come from holding on. Freedom comes from letting go. Again and again and again. Universal Experience Too often we are hard on ourselves for having to release the same thought, emotion, person, or situation. When in fact that’s how life goes. For all of us. Letting go and surrendering are an ongoing daily... Continue Reading →
Even as a psychologist, I often don’t know what to say. Especially now with so many people experiencing pain and trauma in escalating ways. So rather than assume what someone needs, I have learned over the years to ask one simple question: How Can I Support You? In doing so, I create a safe space... Continue Reading →
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2DrNWX5JBGk WHY ARE WE SO HARD ON OURSELVES? Great question! One that I’m asked often. And one that I often ask myself. PSYCHOLOGY INSIGHTS What causes this behaviour? The answer is multifaceted and includes several factors. These factors include how we were parented. This aspect pertains to when the internalized superego and conscience first develop.... Continue Reading →
Podcast Details & Show Notes I was recently interviewed by wellness entrepreneur Christa Realba for her Ambitious Mama Podcast Series. During the podcast, Christa and I discussed how posttraumatic growth and thriving under pressure are possible for all of us. In different gradients, and at different times for sure. Depending on where you are on... Continue Reading →
Today let’s celebrate all the dreams that came true. Merely an idea 5 years ago. It is so easy to get lost in our hopes and motivations for the future. Without realizing how many of aspirations we have already achieved. Together let’s honour how far we’ve come. Only then will we have the fuel and... Continue Reading →
When things go wrong, what do you focus on first? The world outside you or the world within you? The following is a video and activity overview from Part 2 of the 2020 SRC Leadership Development Workshop. Click Here for Part 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEjYGl9c0k Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control... Continue Reading →
“The strength of any organization is a direct result of the strength of its leaders.” — John C. Maxwell The best part is that strengths-based leadership skills can be learned, developed, mentored, and coached. https://youtu.be/pjxCsK2qudw?si=xHsV_IBAKQq47am2 Student Leaders Training and Development Strengths- based leadership is the cornerstone of my work with Ontario student leaders. Including St.... Continue Reading →
H old O n P ain E nds During difficult times, I often tell myself: “What a difference a day makes.” This one simple sentence helps me to remember that tomorrow is a brand new day. Illuminating the possibility that what looks like the end in that dark moment, could in fact be preparing me... Continue Reading →
Choose the THOUGHTS that emPOWER you today. It takes one word one thought one mantra to shift our mind from pain to power. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wIK91yKh0Zo What will your empowering thought be this week? I’d love to know. Share your WORD in comments below! Related Post: Empowering Conversations
LESSONS LEARNED In this post, I share the lessons learned at a thriving teams thriving leaders board retreat. It was a true team effort! With the team-building and leadership exercises equally led by the student leaders and myself. Please join in and explore the reflection questions, interactive activities, and workshop videos with the teams... Continue Reading →
Glimpse inside my classroom https://youtube.com/shorts/-KbyDnDI4QA?si=bKM7kj8bFdvcg9_q TRADITIONAL VERSUS POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY "While traditional psychology focuses its attention on pathology and problems, in the relatively new field of positive psychology, researchers strive to explore and understand the strengths of individuals that contribute to their flourishing." Source: Psychology Guide https://youtu.be/qGg70RIiUR8 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Strengths first I am passionate about... Continue Reading →
Psychology Class In today's health psychology class, we discussed how to empower someone with a chronic illness. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iPqZ6pIgSJA Acknowledging that even though we are experts in psychology, nursing, etc., this does mean not make us the expert of someone’s life. EMPOWERMENT ZONE We explored various strength-based techniques for uplifting and encouraging others in conversation and... Continue Reading →
Trust that everything is working out as it should. In divine time. In divine order. For your highest good. 'These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” Breathe. Trust. Let Go.
The Psychology of Wellness I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the Lemon Soul Podcast by an engaging and bright young woman named Sierra Parr. It was one of the most rewarding projects I have worked on and I hope you find the same value in listening to the podcast as I had co-creating it... Continue Reading →
#internationalwomensday #rolemodel Growing up my Mom, my mentor, and the first psychologist in our family, didn’t talk a lot about women’s empowerment. — She lived it. Gracefully. Quietly. Courageously. Today, and all days, I am grateful for a role model who began her journey from challenge to strength with incredible will and a heart of... Continue Reading →
Expanding Our WordPress Writing Community. Connecting - Sharing - Expanding The Power of Community This post is an opportunity for you to share all the wonderful things that you're doing as a writer on the world wide web. Including your: WordPress. LinkedIn. Pinterest. Google+. Facebook. Snap Chat. Twitter. Instagram. YouTube. Vimeo. etc. Please share in... Continue Reading →
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, not what's left of you." Pause. Be still. Catch your breath. Take a rest. Practice self-care. As often as you can. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H8MKH2-QErg Pause at the end of my video ⬆️ for 30 fun self-care ideas. Do you practice daily self-care? Please share in the comments below.
How do you respond when a close friend shares a problem with you? Are you a fixer or a listener? If you’re anything like me, my first instinct is to fix the problem. To try and save loved ones from adversity. To rescue them. To make them instantly feel better. I suggest we do the... Continue Reading →
This post was inspired by a stressful situation that I could not let go of. No matter how hard I tried. Day in day out. The worry would reappear. Then someone suggested that I “shed the stress" and a lightbulb went off. Each time the repetitive thought appeared, I imagined a tree shedding its leaves.... Continue Reading →
This moment. This day. THIS LIFE. Is yours for the taking. Don't be afraid to step into your power. https://youtube.com/shorts/_kBlKrI8RQ8?feature=share It is you. And you are it. Empowerment is the reason you were born. Face It — You Are Strong!
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sucq3BluxGw&t=5s ◊ In this video clip from my “Pitch with Passion” seminar with student and community entrepreneurs, I discuss the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. ◊ Not everyone is going to like who you are. Not everyone is... Continue Reading →
FOCUS ON THE GOOD This is my mantra. I write it on my bathroom mirror. I post it on my refrigerator door. I tape it to my office wall. I speak of it every time I teach. These 4 words remind me to focus on what's good, what's working, what's infinitely possible. Even (especially) when everything... Continue Reading →
Be the light. Change the world. Related Post: Good energy multiplies.
Don’t be fooled by fear. Look it directly in the eye. Fear distorts reality. Fear exaggerates the truth. Step back. Take a pause. Remember who you are. You have overcome great adversity. You have faced this phantom before. This wolf is a mirage. Only your strength, your courage, and your untapped powers are real. Resources to help you... Continue Reading →
You were born to inspire others. To show them the way. In good times. In bad times. And every moment in between. Quietly. Privately. Boldly. Courageously. You were born to inspire others. To show them the way. Related: Mindset changes everything.
I love sharing ideas with students. I can’t imagine a better moment in life to learn about purpose and empowerment than when we are young. Which is why I embrace every opportunity to share the principles of positive psychology with students across Canada.The most recent opportunity being a conference called: “You Can Do College.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY... Continue Reading →
“Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.” In psychology class this week, I teach one of my favourite subjects - Stress, Coping, and Health Psychology Chapter 11 in my psychology textbook. I purposely teach this topic during the height of midterms. Raising awareness about the healthy (and not so healthy) ways students manage... Continue Reading →
Good news to share! I have been working on a TEDx project with the University of Windsor TEDx team since last year. Today I received the news that the finished video was uploaded to the official TED Talks site. Video below — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY Stress Resilience In my TEDx Talk I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/nD4LmUHG2vM Instead of seeing obstacles and stressors as taking you down. Challenge can be difficult. Adversity overwhelming. Growth painful. I agree! Try perceiving challenges as taking you UP ↑ Again and again and again. For it’s in this uncomfortable space in between failure and success; breakups and makeups; exams and graduation that strength is ultimately born. https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” I am excited to share an interview, photos, and a short video clip from yesterday’s TEDx Event at the University of Windsor. It was one of the most positive speaking experiences I’ve ever had. Truly magical. TEDx Videoclip TEDx Slideshow TEDx Dream Team Thank you for letting me share... Continue Reading →
Everything you're afraid of - you've already experienced. Afraid of commitment? You've been dumped. Afraid of failure? You've failed. Afraid of rejection? You've been rejected. Afraid of being broke? You've been without money. Fill in the blanks for me.. Afraid of being _________? You've been _________. And then vow to erase that fear in your... Continue Reading →
I have some exciting news to share! I was recently chosen to be a TEDx speaker for the University of Windsor TEDx Event on Sunday, January 28, 2018. The theme of the event is “Diamonds from Pressure”. Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog — Thriving Under Pressure. What are TEDx Talks? "A... Continue Reading →
What we believe matters as it’s our mindset that shapes our physiological and emotional response to stressful circumstances. Ultimately, determining our ability to face our fears, overcome resistance, and bounce back after adversity. Watch Video - Click Here https://youtu.be/p58APeFQEmM RELATIONSHIP: BELIEF PATTERNS For example, when a relationship ends, if we view it as a personal... Continue Reading →
TO ALL NURSING STUDENTS If I were to assign homework this week it would be to take a break. 10 minutes at a time. 5 times a day. Because you have worked exceptionally hard. And a good rest is half the work. Although things may not have gone your way. Not exactly as you had... Continue Reading →
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” C. S. Lewis When was the last time you had to start over? This was a big week back at St. College College — and all colleges across Ontario. Students were returning to school after a 5 week province-wide strike. An arduous situation that was well beyond... Continue Reading →
Don’t be fooled by fear. Look it directly in the eye. Fear distorts reality. Fear exaggerates the truth. Step back. Take a pause. Remember who you are. You have overcome great adversity. You have faced this phantom before. The wolf is a mirage. And so is fear. https://youtu.be/IFjQUwtnqk0?si=jZKRn6dP7QHrTo8d Resources to help you break free: Understanding... Continue Reading →
Are you ready to move on but are reluctant to let something go? Letting go is not giving up. Letting go is not giving in. When you let go you make space for something better. When you let go you generate energy needed for moving forward. Close your eyes. Clear your heart. Breathe. Let go... Continue Reading →
Today I lift my eyes to the sunshine. No matter the weather. ♥️ Related Post: You hold the key.
Unless someone is going through a major life tragedy, I rarely, if ever, lean in and listen to someone's day-to-day hassles. Instead, I choose to give energy to their strengths not their struggles. To their light not their shadows. To their purpose not their pain. Because I know deep down in my heart that each... Continue Reading →
Some lessons happen over a lifetime. Others happen in an instant. Either way, the paradox of strength is that it develops though pain. Each misfortune cultivates a renewed appreciation. Each obstacle fosters a new level of perseverance. Each sadness teaches a greater depth of compassion. Each challenge harvests a new field of possibilities. We must... Continue Reading →
Do you trust the process / evolution of your life? Do you stir the pot before it boils? Do you open the oven before it bakes? Or do you relax on the sofa trusting the recipe and the time it takes? Not long ago, I was interviewed by Adam Rochon on the topic of transformational... Continue Reading →
Do not fear challenge or adversity. Run towards it. Not away from it. Use it consciously. As a stepping stone. To ascend. To soar. To propel yourself forward. To begin again. For strength is ultimately built from challenge, from difficulty, from overcoming. You were born to thrive! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ento8DliEOs
Run toward not away from the things that scare you the most. You'll be surprised at how small fears appear appear close up. https://youtu.be/1JQbJlcXzF0?si=Zq12IjJLpgb1SJ_T Related Post: Fear and Anxiety Solutions
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM Need help embracing change but don’t know where to start? Video In my interview on CBC-TV I share 5 positive ways to embrace change using the principles of positive psychology. Article I also... Continue Reading →
So much happens in the course of a day that is beyond our control. 100 ways to respond. Only 1 way that feels right. Overslept. Choose peace. Ran out of coffee. Choose peace. Stuck in traffic. Choose peace. Missed a deadline. Choose peace. Technology overload. Choose peace. Nonstop meetings. Choose peace. Bossy coworker. Choose peace. Burnt dinner. Choose peace.... Continue Reading →
POWER OF LIGHT Even though we often have little control over the “outside forces” in our lives, we can always make a positive difference - from the inside out. Start here. Right here. Right now. Be still. Breathe in gratitude. Be thankful for this very moment. Start small. Notice your passing thoughts. Let go. Awareness empowers.... Continue Reading →
Question your stress. It has something to teach you. Psychology Worksheet 1/ Identify a stressor / challenge in your life. Be specific. For example: Not enough money. Too busy. Lack of sleep. Pushy relative. Your Answer: ______________________________ 2/ What is this stressor / challenge trying to teach you? For Example: Slow down. Change jobs. End... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 