Smile like you’re changing the world. Because you are! We often think of changing the world as some great big, grand gesture. Performed on stage with millions of people watching. When in fact it’s just you and me. And 8 billion human beings. Smiling, connecting, caring, and loving. Every moment. Every encounter. We are the... Continue Reading →
“Time spent in reflection is never wasted.” My highlight of 2017 and every year since 2003 has been teaching psychology at St. Clair College. I am so grateful for all the incredible students I’ve had the pleasure to meet and teach. It has been a long and bumpy road to get here. But I wouldn’t... Continue Reading →
Activate your free will today. The results will take your breath away. Related Post: Lay down your burdens.
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 →
Listening heals more hearts than talking ever will. In my early thirties I was going through a particularly tough time in my life. A trifecta of life events where every pillar in my world came tumbling down. Out of all the sadness, the times that I remember the most were the small joys and simple pleasures... 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 →
Every morning and every night I visit my favourite place on Earth. The great outdoors. 🌿 Where do you go to quiet your mind and free your soul? Related Post: Taming your monkey mind.
Wishing you a day filled with joy. Related Post: Ordinary Joys
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.
I have the pleasure of starting each day with my husband John. Each morning begins at 6am with an hour of coffee talk weekends included. No alarm clock necessary. Having something as wonderful as hot coffee and good conversation to look forward to each day is its own wake up call. This morning I asked John... Continue Reading →
Students, past and present, motivate me!"The future of the world is in my classroom today." One of my first year BScN nursing students (Mona on the right) asked if I would sign the psychology textbook that I co-wrote and take a photo with her after class this week. She said that an encouraging note and a picture... Continue Reading →
Psychology Class https://youtu.be/7KVHUEDYFk4?si=vXjjhNYVg2gCINkCThis post is a summary of a psychology lecture and Chapter 2 in my psychology textbook. Free Psychology Chapter If you want to learn more about this topic, you can download a free PDF of my neuroscience and behaviour chapter by clicking on this link. Understanding Individual Differences Have you ever wondered how your best friend... Continue Reading →
Stop what you're doing. Take a breath. Take a rest. Savour 60 seconds of stress relief. As often as you can.
I look up every chance I get. First thing in the morning. On my run. On my way to work. In between classes. Out for a bike ride. From the skylight in my office. On the front porch before I go to sleep. https://youtube.com/shorts/0gMq9BNKvOA?si=4t_RZAoPOFph44ME Connected to Something Bigger The sky connects us to something much... Continue Reading →
Choice is a powerful tool when it comes to stress perception. 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 →
https://youtu.be/yCLrqDoNDmo As a positive psychologist, I often write about the bright side of life. Including harnessing strengths, enhancing motivation, and flourishing in the wake of adversity. Not the whole picture While strengths are vital to realizing one's full potential - it's not the whole picture when it comes to living a balanced life. Embrace the downside... Continue Reading →
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 →
Bring yourself back to the present moment. One long deep breath at a time. Herein lies the peace you've been searching for. All day long. Related Post: Just Breathe.
The kickboxing club I belong to had special gloves commissioned to celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday. Which is why I'm motivated more than ever to celebrate Canada Day with my fellow boxers at the club today! How will you celebrate your country's birthday this year?
I was thinking about time tonight. It’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.
Liked vs. Respected This question came to mind last week when I took over a college class halfway through the semester. I know how tough it is for students to have 2 professors over the course of a 12-week semester. 2 sets of rules. 2 sets of expectations. So it's more important than ever that... Continue Reading →
There's a diamond inside all of us. Waiting to be discovered. Related Post: Your strengths light my way.
Stop expecting others to validate what you hear (see and feel). The music is not "out there". The music is in you. A beautiful melody that only you can hear. Listen. Be still. Take a long deep breath. Fear not who you are. Fear not what you hear. You are the symphony. Trust the music that... Continue Reading →
What loving thing will you do for yourself today? 💗
Smile like you're changing the world. Because you are! We often think of changing the world as some great big, grand gesture. Performed on stage with millions of people watching. When in fact it's just you and me. And 8 billion human beings. Smiling, connecting, caring, and loving. Every moment. Every encounter. We are the... Continue Reading →
Self-awareness is the starting point for personal success. Until you know who you are, how will you know what truly motivates you? Reawaken your passion for life and enhance your self-esteem by reflecting on “Who you are“. A daily practice in self-discovery and personal responsibility. How would you describe yourself in one word? What are... Continue Reading →
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
So many choices when it comes to stress relief. Which one will you choose today? Thriving Test — Click Here
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
"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 →
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?
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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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
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 →
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 →
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 →
At the beginning of my Is Happiness a Choice? presentation I ask the audience to write down the one word that best describes what has brought them the most happiness in the past 12 months. How would you answer this question? In one word, what best describes the people, places, or things, that have... Continue Reading →
Wishing you a day be filled with peace & joy.🌷
Thriving Under Pressure 