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 what... Continue Reading →
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
The Stories We Tell Ourselves In this classroom video and article, I share strategies for transforming painful experiences. Especially those beyond your control. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=119i-Qv-ep0 Background Reality Testing: Psychology Theories Cognitive Reframing and Restructuring Identifying and challenging irrational or maladaptive thoughts ABC Model - Cognitive Behavioural Technique Antecedent, Belief, Consequence Application Reality Testing: Real-Life Example In... Continue Reading →
Peace Lives Here
Peace happens in moments. Not days. Not weeks. Not years. Hot coffee. Cozy blankets. Birds singing. The sun rising. Peace happens in moments. Not days. Not weeks. Not years. Savour the sunshine. Taste every morsel. Dance with abandon. Stroll by the moonlight. Peace happens in moments. Not days. Not weeks. Not years. https://youtu.be/zRSQw-LjU8k Breathe... Continue Reading →
Psychology Class on Addiction and Stigma
BELOW THE SURFACE PSYCHOLOGY In psychology class this week we are talking about stigma and drug addiction and why it’s important to lean in, listen, and get curious about why people do what they do. End the stigma. Change lives. https://youtu.be/5BAu7RaMxQA COMMUNICATION CLEAR AND CONCISE The second topic of discussion in psychology class is clarity... Continue Reading →
Laughter is the Best Medicine — It Relieves Stress
What consumes your mind consumes your life We live in a world weighed down by tragedy and adversity. And we have been conditioned to believe that tragedies require tragic mindsets and hardships demand hardened spirits. We also live in a world overflowing with abundance and joy. But we cannot see the good from the bad... Continue Reading →
Face Everything and Rise
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 →
Lighten Up in 2022 — Positive Emotions & Problem Solving
“Your heart is the light of this world. Don’t cover it with your mind.” Lighten Up in 2022 The solution to a problem is rarely found in the source of the problem. This is why it’s important to lighten up before tackling difficulty. Problem Solving from a Higher Place Positive emotions heighten our awareness and open our minds to... Continue Reading →
Twelve Days of Self-Care
I am a strong believer in keeping things simple. The less complicated things are, the more likely we are to repeat the behaviour. Especially when it comes to health and happiness habits. https://youtu.be/0i0tuqAmdaw Twelve Days of Self Care Day 1: Mindful Mornings Add five to ten minutes of relaxation to each of your morning routines.... Continue Reading →
Anchor Yourself With Light
Take a moment and anchor yourself with something that lights you up. That reminds you that you are not alone in this storm. You have been here before. It may have been a personal pandemic, not a global one. But somehow, deep inside, you made it through. And you will again. You have the courage,... Continue Reading →
Staying Motivated During Challenging Times | The Drive Magazine
Today’s story begins in the middle of a spin class. The point in time where you feel like giving up the most. Because the middle is always the hardest. Whether it be the middle of a semester, the middle of a week, or the middle of a pandemic. It was thirty minutes into class, and... Continue Reading →
What’s my purpose?
What's your perspective on purpose? Is it something you do or something you are? Is it ignited at birth? Or at work? Does it expire at death? Or when you retire? https://youtu.be/0WA8LzF5m3Y The way I see it. Purpose is for a lifetime. It's what lights you up, and sets your soul on fire! Video of... Continue Reading →
Let Your North Star Guide You
Mindfulness Tip: Look Up The sky connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Challenges appear small in comparison to the vastness of the sky. Solutions seem plausible. Answers come more easily. In the presence of stars, we embrace the profound and surrender it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMq9BNKvOA
Love is a Language – What’s Yours?
How do you express your love? Take Quiz The 5 Love Languages Quiz for Singles: Click HereThe 5 Love Languages Quiz for Couples: Click HerePaper Version of Quiz — Tap on Photo Below Love and Social Psychology One of the reasons I love teaching psychology is that it gives me the opportunity to share why... Continue Reading →
What advice would you give your younger self?
Live Zoom Conference At a recent leadership conference, student leaders from St. Clair College's Student Representative Council SRC had the opportunity to ask questions live during the final portion of the virtual training event. Ask Dr. D The student leaders raised the reflection bar high during this discussion period. One Question Stood Out The Most... Continue Reading →
You are enough, just as you are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygkRUiRacSE You are enough, just as you are.đź’• Mirror Exercise: Waking Up with Love
Shine your light
I used to think of life purpose as some great big grand scheme for life, something we spend our whole life chasing after. Daunting for sure. At times overwhelming. Then one day I realized that life purpose was a series of small, fleeting events, rather than one great big span of life. Bite size in... Continue Reading →