Speaking and Training with Dr. Andrea Dinardo

Contact Form: Click HereArticles & Speeches: Click Here https://youtu.be/y3bWmoKule8?feature=shared https://youtu.be/6zlJDM58-a0?feature=shared Background and Overview: Dr. Andrea Dinardo is a positive psychology expert, keynote speaker, and leadership trainer who helps people thrive under pressure, build resilience, and cultivate mental health daily. She is passionate about applying positive psychology to facilitate personal growth and transformational change in individuals... Continue Reading →

Staying Motivated During Challenging Times

Todayโ€™s story begins in the middle of a spin class. The point in time when 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 year. It was thirty minutes into class, and... Continue Reading →

The moment of surrender is not when life is over. Itโ€™s when life begins.

https://youtu.be/W7dz0FvnkxY?si=WEfPsjb9TVnDgRTK Surrender is not giving in. Surrender is not giving up. It is trusting in something bigger than yourself. Something you canโ€™t quite see. https://youtu.be/I7YD4A900-4 Quietly unfolding. Slowly expanding. In your favour. Behind the scenes.

Failure as Feedback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810whIFASFI&feature=emb_title "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."  With time, I have come to realize that failure has always been my greatest teacher. Each failure pointed me in a better direction and helped me to develop strength and authenticity, ultimately unveiling who I was and... Continue Reading →

Positive Psychology on Campus

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 →

Choice and transformation go hand in hand.

โ€œEmpowerment is realizing you have a choice.โ€ My mission in life is to encourage people to own their choices โ€“ no matter how big or how small.ย In doing so, individuals will uncover the magnificent power that lives withinย them. Embracing the power to choose oneโ€™s emotions, thoughts, and reactions to lifeโ€™s circumstances is the key which... Continue Reading →

Donโ€™t give up. Great things take time.

Donโ€™t give up. Great things take time. Sometimesย we have to go through the worst. To get to the best. Fall down 7 times. Stand up 8. Today is your day. Your time to rise up! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sw_igZkhv3c Trust and Believe in 2019 This blog post and classroom videoย above are dedicated to all the students around the... Continue Reading →

Rest in Truth

Truth is truth Let them talk. Let them chatter. Let them say what they choose to say. Because at the end of the day truth is truth. And nothing can stand in its way Rest. Relax. Sit back. Breathe in deep. Stop trying to convince anybody and everybody of anything and everything. At the end of the day... Continue Reading →

From darkness comes light

"Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves." No matter what happens today, know that in the end everything works out. Trust me. I speak from experience. My smile comes equally from a place of darkness and a place of light. How would I ever know how good I have it today... Continue Reading →

WHY change NOW?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM&app=desktop The first question I ask clients wanting to make a change is โ€œWhy Now?โ€ For there is no doubt that they (and you and I) have been wanting to transform an aspect of our lives for a very long time. But the intrinsic motivation just isnโ€™t quite there. The kind of motivation that is... Continue Reading →

VIEW EVERY CHALLENGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY IN DISGUISE

https://youtu.be/F7TFtJHASn8?si=oEOFgHOMzUx0qHr2

You have the power to change the story!

What are the most powerful words in the universe? The ones you use to talk to yourself. Choose the words that move you forward, the emotions that lift you up, and the actions that empower you. Believe in the one reason that a difficult situation  will work out. You! You have everything it takes to... Continue Reading →

From Stress to Strength

https://youtu.be/nD4LmUHG2vM Instead of seeing obstacles and stressors as taking you down. Challenge can be difficult. Adversity overwhelming.ย Growth painful. I agree! Try perceiving challenges as taking you UP โ†‘ Again and again and again. For itโ€™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

Face It – You are Strong!

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 →

What We Believe Matters

What we believe matters as itโ€™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 →

Reigniting Motivation.

I wrote this on the blackboard for my nursing students today. This is their final week of classes. Which means one final opportunity for me to encourage their success. This is my favourite part of teaching psychology. Every time I face a challenge, I imagine how I can translate it into a motivating lessonย for my... Continue Reading →

Study Tip: Stay Focused

This post was inspired by the one question students ask year after year: "Why Can't I Remember Anything?" More often than not, it's a focusing and attention issue, not a memory problem. Atkinsonโ€“Shiffrin Memory Model An important distinction between attention and memory described in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVLM9VWCkeU Stay Focused You Can't Do Big Things... Continue Reading →

Better to Bend Than Break

When life changes direction, are you able to change with it? Are you flexible and open to new experiences? Are you able to break free from old patterns and habits? Or do you struggle to adapt to anything new and different? Flexibility and Change In this interview on CBC-TV, Chris Hyndman and I examine the... Continue Reading →

Rise above.

Today I lift my eyes to the sunshine. No matter the weather. โ™ฅ๏ธ Related Post: You hold the key.

What will you focus on today?

Choice is a powerful tool when it comes to stress perception.ย What we give attention to grows. Which is why we must make the conscious decision to talk about our blessings more than our challenges. Our strengths more than our stressors. Our excitement more than our fears. Our possibilities more than our problems. Every day is... Continue Reading →

Change your life. Five minutes at a time.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Bvo0FXfS7t4?si=VS8zekxAt08kVAE4  Are you tired of doing the same old, same old? Are you ready to end the repetitive cycles in your life? Is it time for a change? But .....  you.....  don't.....  have...  time... Surrender your fears, your resistance, your excuses. Change need not be overwhelming. Start small. End Big. Little changes make a big difference. They... Continue Reading →

Lay down your burdens.

No more futile tests. No more unrelenting trials. No more self inflicted tribulations. Lay down your burdens. Let. Them. Go. Take a breath. Take a rest. You have strengthened from your burdens. You have overcome great obstacles. You have developed. You have grown. You have earned yourย freedom ten times over. Trust your wisdom. Trustย your wings.... Continue Reading →

Thriving Under Pressure

How can two people experience the same stressful event and react in incredibly different ways?  What explains the difference between stress thrivers and non-thrivers? Research shows that some individuals possess a set of resilience skills and traits that allows them to flourish in response to stress. https://youtu.be/czXG8odb7pY Thriving Under Pressure TEDx Talk "Resilience is what gives people the... Continue Reading →

The Paradox of Strength

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 →

Expanding Time

I was thinking about time tonight. Itโ€™s a never ending circle that starts and stops at the same place. A perpetual loop heightened on a Sunday night. And the only way to slow it down is to breathe in each moment. To notice each ephemeral hour. To rest gently in the embrace of time.

Teaching Stress Resilience at School

We all have stress. Itโ€™s a universal human experience. The key is to not let stress become our identity. Instead, with an open mindset and the right set of resilience skills we have the opportunity to reach a whole new level of purpose and well-being. How can educators help foster stress resilience in their students? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUh9qqA0x3Y&t=410s Stress... Continue Reading →

Is Happiness a Choice?

The Happiness Question Have you ever wondered why some people remain upbeat and positive despite the chaos that surrounds them while others are utterly miserable even in good times?  What explains the difference between these two groups of individuals? Are happy people just lucky people born happy? And unhappy people born miserable?  Or is happiness... Continue Reading →

Live your dream NOW.

The stress of waiting. The list is long when it comes to student stress. But by far, one of the greatest sources of stress is waiting! Students are always forecasting into the future. Every single moment of student life is about waiting. Waiting for grades.ย Waiting for summer. Waiting for graduation. Forever in a day. Students... Continue Reading →

What would you do if you had no fear?

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

How will you thrive today?

So many choices when it comes to stress relief. Which one will you choose today? Thriving Test โ€” 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. ๐ŸŽˆ https://youtu.be/RK7EzyPXRPA

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 →

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.

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 →

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. Oneย moment of wonder.. at a time.โ˜€๏ธ Inspiration: 21 positive thoughts for your morning.ย 

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 noย 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 →

To change your life, change your habits.

ย Whatโ€™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.ย  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 →

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" theyย 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. Learnย something new. Have Fun!ย Self-Discover. Imagine. Envision. Explore and Begin Again! Sometimes good things fall apart so great things can fall together.

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.๐Ÿ’ซ

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

New beginnings.

New beginnings. Fate. Destiny. And back again. New beginnings. Full of fright. Hope. Trepidation.ย Exaltation.ย 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.ย Misplaced dreams. Found sanctuary. Outstretched hands. Yearning heart.... Continue Reading →

See the light.

Look for the good and you will find it.๐Ÿ’ซ Related post: Shine your light.

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 →

Whatโ€™s Your Favourite Resilience Quote? Hereโ€™s mine:

What quotes lift you up? Ignite your soul? Light your way? Whatโ€™s Your Favourite Resilience Quote? Hereโ€™s mine: Hereโ€™s mine โ€” โ€œYou have seen my descent. Now watch my rising.โ€

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