Tag: Meaning

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Change and Transformation, Coping Strategies, Hope, Mental Health Education, Peace, Psychology, Resilience, The Drive Magazine, Video30 Comments

The Stories We Tell Ourselves 

In this classroom video and article, I share strategies for transforming painful experiences. Especially those beyond your control.

Background

Reality Testing: Psychology Theories

Dr. Andrea Dinardo ABC Technique
Application

Reality Testing: Real-Life Example

In addition to psychology theories, I share a real-life example of a friend who experienced a house flood in their newly constructed home.

And the subsequent impact it had on his thoughts, emotions, and self-esteem.

I describe how with time and support, I witnessed my friend transform his suffering into a more meaningful and empowering experience.

An experience of yesterday’s pain becoming today’s strength, we can all relate to. 

Link to Article: 
https://www.thedrivemagazine.com/posts/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves

Link to Post-Traumatic Growth Post:
https://drandreadinardo.com/2019/12/06/post-traumatic-growth-can-adversity-be-good-for-you
Dr. Andrea Dinardo The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Takeaway

Psychology Tips to Transform the Painful Story in Your Life

  1. Reflect on times in your life when you have successfully overcome adversity.
  2. Talk to others who have overcome similar circumstances. Be open to their lessons.
  3. Ask five people to identify your strengths. Refer to them during low points in your day.
  4. Be proud of what you have been through and have faith in where you’re going.

Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.

Viktor E. Frankl
Video — Watch  Here

Article — Read Here

Let Your North Star Guide You

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Hope, Mindfulness, Nature, Peace, Relaxation, Video50 Comments

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.

Look, up at the sky. There is a light, a beauty up there, that no shadow can touch.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Related Post: Always Looking Up

Love is a Language – What’s Yours?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Emotional Awareness, Happiness, Health, Hope, Inspiration, Motivation, Personal Growth, Psychology Class, Reflection Question, Social Psychology, Teaching

How do you express your love?

Take Quiz

  1. The 5 Love Languages Quiz for Singles: Click Here
  2. The 5 Love Languages Quiz for Couples: Click Here
  3. Paper 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 we do what we do. Including in romance!

The more we understand ourselves, the more compassionate we will be about ourselves and others.

Self Awareness and Social Awareness go hand in hand.

So given today is Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be a good time to resurrect a 2019 social psychology lecture on the 5 love languages.

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In this particular psychology class, we talked about: 1) what we value in a relationship, 2) our preferred love language, and 3) possible reasons for romantic successes and failures.

Discussed more fully in the two videos below.

The Theories of Love (Part 1)

In the first video I discuss the psychological theories and related life experiences that lay the foundation for a social psychology class on love and attraction (Chapter 14 in my psychology textbook).

The Reality of Love (Part 2)

In the second video I reflect upon the lessons learned in psychology class and how to apply these love lessons in real life.

Topics covered on video and in class:

  1. While dating, be on the lookout for concrete factual evidence of what is important to you. Both in person and online.
  2. For example, how does “love for family” show up in your potential partner’s actions.
  3. Also, if your relationship values include loyalty, spending time outdoors, and making mental health a priority. Is this something the person you are dating also values and lives by?
  4. It is also important to look beyond the surface and pay attention to nonverbal cues, communication, and behaviour.
  5. Do their words match their behaviour? For example, your date claims to be a great listener while spending the entire night checking their phone.

When people show you who they are, believe them.

Maya Angelou
FiveLoveLanguages-Web

Self-Reflection Questions

1. What do you value most?

  • trustworthiness
  • kindness
  • compassion
  • intelligence
  • sense of humour
  • physical attractiveness
  • attentiveness

2. How do you communicate love?

  • Listening
  • Encouraging
  • Helping
  • Love Notes
  • Surprise Gifts
  • Quality Time
  • Affection
Love Quiz → Click Here
Love Video 1 → Click Here
Love Video 2 → Click Here

Emotional Intelligence Tips and Techniques

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Emotional Intelligence, Psychology Class, purpose, Social Psychology, Video42 Comments

5 Ways to Create Meaningful Connections in a Virtual World

This list was initially created for students embarking on a new career during covid-19.  

It also includes EQ techniques helpful for everyone.
  1. Connect with intention.
    • Before engaging with someone online, take a step back and ask why you are doing so.
    • What is the purpose of the interaction?
    • What are you hoping to gain or give?
  2. Make it all about them.
    • Listening is an essential ingredient in effective communication, online interactions included.
    • Listening also provides a much needed break from monotonous internal dialogue.
    • In a virtual world, “listening” often takes place through reading and staying open to another person’s perspective. No matter how different.
    • From “Me to We”
  3. Do the people research.
    • The first thing I do before I engage with someone online is read their page – literally!
    • I read their “About Me” biography. Plus their comments and interactions on social media, blog posts, and articles. And if available, I listen to their interviews and watch accompanying videos.
    • I love learning about the people I interact with. Especially their strengths.
  4. Do the company research.
    • This is where I get curious about what makes a company tick!
    • The people, the history, the economics, the geography, the philosophy.
    • The company’s motto and theme song (check out their facebook page).
    • Pick up the phone and talk to the receptionist and administrative assistants — the pulse of the organization. And if possible, engage with front line workers and management.
    • This is also the time to assess if the company’s core values match up with your own.
    • Is it a good fit?
  5. Create a need for your services.
    • What makes YOU .. YOU?!
    • What makes you unique, different, quirky, goofy, all kinds of wonderful?
    • This is the part of the online interaction process where your personality wraps around your talents, education, and abilities.
    • For example: when I was a kid, my Dad always said: “Andrea, you better get a job where you get paid to talk” because.. I couldn’t stop talking! (you should have seen my grade 8 report card)
    • This is why I come alive in the classroom but would fade away in a research lab.
    • What parts of your personality make your skill set stand out?

Your Turn: How Do You Create Meaningful Connections in a Virtual World?

Watch 3 min Video of Post: Click Here

How will you move the world today?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Hope, Inspiration, Intrinsic Motivation, purpose, Reflection Question, Self Actualization, Thriving26 Comments

What are you most excited about in your life right now?

What brings a smile to your face and makes your heart skip a beat?

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Each time you share your zest for life  — you move the world !

Related Post: Enthusiasm is contagious.