How will you thrive today?

So many choices when it comes to stress relief. Which one will you choose today? Thriving Test — Click Here

Complaining Keeps Us Stuck

The next time you are tempted to complain about the same thing over and over again, direct that energy into your highest, loftiest goals. Consciously swap one complaint for one baby step towards your dreams. Same energy required. Magically different results. 🎈 https://youtu.be/RK7EzyPXRPA

CBC-TV Interview — Embracing Change

"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 →

Let peace begin with me

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 →

Celebrating Female Mentors and Visionaries.

  ‪Happy International Women's Day! I am grateful for all the women in the world who paved the way. Including my mom. The first psychologist in the family. A role model, mentor, and encourager. Today & Always. Who are grateful for today?

The Art of Allowing.

Today vow to allow life to happen on its own terms, not your own. Sometimes your greatest power is in letting things go.

YOU HOLD THE KEY

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 →

What if our only life purpose is to be kind?

https://youtu.be/0WA8LzF5m3Y What if our only life purpose is to be kind? What if every decision we made was guided by this shared life purpose? How would you change? Research: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/science-of-kindness.html How would the world change? Research: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_kindness_spreads_in_a_community https://youtu.be/O9UByLyOjBM Today be kind "Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people." Helpful Resources: Purpose Self-Compassion... Continue Reading →

Stressful Times: Empowering Life Lessons

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 →

Enthusiasm is contagious

I believe in the power of education. Deep down in my soul. And it's this core belief that translates into a high level of enthusiasm and excitement for student success in my classroom.Video of Post: https://youtu.be/4J4oL093oU0 I believe so strongly in the impact of enthusiasm on motivating students, capturing their attention, and enhancing their learning that I wrote my... Continue Reading →

Happiness is a conscious process.

When you notice the blessings in your life (big or small), happiness happens. One conscious thought. One mindful emotion. One insightful gesture. One moment of wonder.. at a time.☀️ Inspiration: 21 positive thoughts for your morning. 

Letting life flow.

Stressful Times. The one word I hear repeatedly from students this time of year is drowning. Drowning in bills. Drowning in midterms. Drowning in research. Not a pleasant thought. And definitely not energizing. A sinking feeling that takes student motivation from 100 to 0 in an instant. By thought alone. Empowering Lessons. How can we... Continue Reading →

Fear and Anxiety Solutions

FEAR ->Forget Everything And Run. Each time we feel threatened (threat is the fundamental definition of stress) our first instinct is to "fight or flight". PUFF UP or Shrink.  This perpetual "fight or flight" response loop eventually creates a host of secondary problems, above and beyond, the original stressor (or oppressor). It does not matter how we... Continue Reading →

There will always be critics

  Their will always be critics. Use their words as motivation. Prove them wrong. Focus on your dreams. Not their doubts. https://youtu.be/xwHAgC7AAak Use their words as fuel for inner strength and drive. The world needs your unique kind of wonderful. So don't let the critics get you down. Endurance is not just the ability to bear... Continue Reading →

The Upside of Stress

Most people wince every time they hear the word "stress". It's as if the whole world has been conditioned to respond to stress the same way, by the word alone. A habitual thought response that is often more dangerous than the stressor itself. It’s Time to Rethink Everything Including how you have been conditioned to “think”... Continue Reading →

Nature soothes my soul

This photo was taken on one of my daily hikes up Blue Heron Hill. One of my favourite places to go at the end of a long wintery day. Each breath. Each step. Shifts me higher. To a place of perfect peace. At one with the great big beautiful sky. A divine connection. No words necessary.... Continue Reading →

Curing the disease to please. One no at a time.

"You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no." The Beauty of NO. When you learn to say no to something you no longer want to do, to people you no longer want to spend time with, to projects you no longer have time for, your world does not get smaller.... Continue Reading →

Teaching Psychology with Enthusiasm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4oL093oU0 I love teaching about psychology as much as I love writing about psychology. And that's a lot! Psychology is my passion  Students First Is My Philosophy Which is why I take every opportunity I have to support and encourage student success and development. Whether it be as a reference for college scholarships. Helping stressed out... Continue Reading →

Your strengths light my way

https://youtu.be/spqoJGxn61A The field of positive psychology has been a blessing for me, both personally and professionally. By focusing on strengths first, I buffer myself against the  vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue often associated with the practice of psychology. And in turn, my positive approach heightens the resilience and stress hardiness in others. (Boomerang effect!) Everywhere I go, I'm on... Continue Reading →

Peace begins within

https://youtube.com/shorts/zRSQw-LjU8k?feature=share A glimpse of my psychology classroom. Today’s Reminder to Breathe.🌿 Related Post: The Sweet Spot

To change your life, change your habits.

 What’s the one habit you have been vowing to change for good? What are you waiting for? The right time? The right place? The right person? Today I challenge you to wait no more. For now is the right time. For here is the right place. And YOU are the right person.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM&app=m&persist_app=1 Helpful Video:... Continue Reading →

10 Tips to Help you Focus Better

https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU?si=QefaAWPnhAh9oWb3 How to focus better when you study Preparation is half the victory. 1. REIGNITE your motivation. Revisit why you are studying in the first place. To one day save someone's life as a nurse. To protect vulnerable children from abuse. To create a business that will employ displaced workers. Your future self will thank... Continue Reading →

Give yourself a break.

I work hard. Too hard sometimes. And I bet you do too. On one hand, that's fantastic. You wouldn't be where you are without steadfastness and sacrifice. On the other hand, having a singular focus on work ultimately shortchanges your potential. Rest is part of the equation. Rest is critical for success. At life and... Continue Reading →

Hold the vision. Trust the process.

"Create a vision for your life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning!" Why Vision Boards in the Classroom At the beginning of the semester, I ask nursing students to share their reasons "why" they want to become a nurse. Why this program? Why Nursing? This simple "WHY" question gives students... Continue Reading →

7 Ways to Feel Strong in the Midst of Failure

Take a long deep breath. Be still. Don't Rush. Find a safe place to challenge your fears and beliefs. Take a long walk. Eat a nourishing meal. Learn something new. Have Fun! Self-Discover. Imagine. Envision. Explore and Begin Again! Sometimes good things fall apart so great things can fall together.

The healing power of imagination.

What images give you a sense of safety and protection in the midst of fearful thoughts?  I imagine angels in the sky and lions at my feet. You: What images shift you from fear to safety? Related Research ⇒ The Effects of Guided Imagery on Anxiety

Psychology Tips for Managing Time, Energy, and Negativity

TIME • ENERGY • HEALTH In the following videos, I share techniques for enhancing time and energy with mindfulness and positive psychology: https://youtu.be/qJfPHOVXEPU https://youtu.be/jq14fr86-Jk https://youtu.be/RK7EzyPXRPA https://youtu.be/N7ttX6h_D8o https://drandreadinardo.com/2022/04/16/put-a-time-limit-on-negativity/ TAKEAWAY Pay attention to how you spend your time and energy today. Joy needs room to breathe. And so do you.

Writing in One Word

In one word describe how you feel when you write. Writing makes me feel ALIVE! For me, writing is all encompassing. The words are the beat of my heart. The words are the oxygen I breathe. The words are all that I touch, feel, and see. For me, writing is all encompassing. I am the... Continue Reading →

What’s your stress threshold?

Recently, a fellow blogger asked an excellent question regarding tipping points and stress response. They were curious to know if each of us has a tipping point when it comes to stress management. And if so, how does it differ from person to person. I love questions like this because they encourage me to dig deep, reflect,... Continue Reading →

From Fear to Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Sy1x3nliU&feature=emb_title How do you talk to yourself? Have you ever noticed that the more challenging life gets the more critical you are of yourself. And the more critical you are of yourself the more challenging life becomes. It's a fearful, exhausting, repetitive loop that feeds on itself. When you're under extreme pressure, the last thing... Continue Reading →

Stay True to Your Higher Purpose

https://youtube.com/shorts/m6TRDdEHMpU?si=E42ekTJCpKYR4h-I Life is too short to be sidetracked by the opinion of others. Stay true to your higher purpose. Your destiny awaits.💫

Hold on. Stay strong.

Trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Good or bad. High or low. East or west. Be still. Have faith. Hold on. Stay strong. What you seek is seeking you. https://youtube.com/shorts/6mDigR8RVXU?si=NSu3TDp6aspumwv5

Don’t let people talk you out of your happiness

If you are lucky enough to find joy in the course of a day - keep it to yourself. At least until you find the courage to radiate, illuminate, and enjoy life on your terms.  https://youtu.be/-KbyDnDI4QA?si=XGSitiZC9Q3jP9aL Skip through the streets. Start a blog. Swing in a park. Dance at the gym. Watch movies on repeat.... Continue Reading →

New beginnings.

New beginnings. Fate. Destiny. And back again. New beginnings. Full of fright. Hope. Trepidation. Exaltation. Panic. And back again. New beginnings. Lost footing. Found fortune. Full moons. Rainy nights. Sun drenched days. And back again. New beginnings. Rough and tumble. Joyful. Sadness. Overwhelm to underwhelm. And back again. New beginnings. Misplaced dreams. Found sanctuary. Outstretched hands. Yearning heart.... Continue Reading →

Summer school.

Bittersweet Ending The end of a college semester is always bittersweet. Summer school is no different. The final psychology exam was just this week. And I miss my summer students already. Full disclosure: Psychology is my passion. Pre-Nursing Psychology I am grateful to have met so many wonderful St. Clair College students in the pre-nursing... Continue Reading →

Focus is everything

100 Hurdles 1 Goal FOCUS ON THE INTENTION Not the distractions Ignore the noise https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU

Follow your feelings.

Instead of focusing on what you want TO DO. Focus on how you want TO FEEL. Desired Feeling ⇔ Supporting Behaviour Strong ⇔ Move your body. Valuable ⇔ Help someone. Lighthearted ⇔ See a funny movie. Joyful ⇔ Go dancing with friends. Free ⇔ Unshackle from daily regimes & routines. Inspired ⇔ Spend time with... Continue Reading →

Be here now. Be happy now.

99% of blaming, worry, and rumination is a figment of our imagination (aka our ego). Remove the barriers to your joy. Trust this moment. Release judgment. Be still. Let go.. Happiness is patiently waiting for you.

Gratitude multiples our treasures.

This rollercoaster life. Life is full of highs and lows. Wins and losses.  Joys and sorrows.  Celebrations and defeats. Too much and too little. Make the shift. Nothing shifts us from scarcity to abundance more quickly than a sudden moment of appreciation and gratitude. Multiply your treasures. Take a moment (this moment) to look up and breathe in all that... Continue Reading →

The miracle in this moment.

Miracles are everywhere. The only catch is that we have to "be here now" to notice them. Gratitude speeds their discovery.💫 What are you grateful for? Right here. Right now. In this moment - I am grateful for this hot cup of coffee. And for this delicious lunch. I am grateful for Tim Horton's camp day. I... Continue Reading →

Strength is built from challenge

Strength is hard won. No one can buy it for you. Give it to you. Leave it for you in their will. Strength is built from challenge, from difficulty, from overcoming. When you deprive someone of life's ordinary trials and tribulations by rescuing them each time they fall, you deprive them of their strength, their resilience,... Continue Reading →

The Sweet Spot

Nowhere else to be That moment in the day when you realize you have arrived. And the most interesting part is that you haven't gone anywhere. Instead, you finally come home to the present moment. The here and now. The sweet spot. The only place there is.

Positive psychology is my passion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjPZM2eDDhE  Positive Psychology is My Passion I love everything about positive psychology. The research, the content, the discoveries, the real-life stories, and most importantly, the promise of a better life. The opportunity to write psychology textbooks for McGraw-Hill Ryerson and share my enthusiasm for psychology is a childhood dream come true! What's Your Passion? What Moves You? Motivates You?... Continue Reading →

What’s your why?

Shifting from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation We live in a world that rewards frivolous behaviour with fame and fortune, so it is no wonder that some students expect their motivation to come from the outside, in the same way that reality show contestants expect to win a million dollars, simply by “showing up”. How can... Continue Reading →

What’s Your Favourite Resilience Quote? Here’s mine:

What quotes lift you up? Ignite your soul? Light your way? What’s Your Favourite Resilience Quote? Here’s mine: Here’s mine — “You have seen my descent. Now watch my rising.”

Breathe • You Are Safe

https://youtu.be/zRSQw-LjU8k Sometimes it's the smallest things that have the greatest impact on our happiness. Something so close, so within reach, we often forget it was there in the first place.  The good night's sleep we're yearning for.. waiting patiently at the end of each day.  The connection to nature we're searching for.. available 24/7 just beyond our front... Continue Reading →

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