"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 →
Mind over matter.
When the going gets tough do you focus on the dream or the sacrifice? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rbWW9jb1Q8 "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor Frankl Boost your motivation and raise your energy by laser focusing on what is within your control during challenge and adversity -- Your Mindset... Continue Reading →
The Biology of Stress.
The Amygdala Hijack ⊕ From Stress to Success ⊕ In this video clip of my keynote speech at the “You Can Do College Event” I share the biological origins of stress and anxiety with 300 high school students from Ontario, Canada. In this segment, I also demonstrate simple strategies for dealing with high stress situations.... Continue Reading →
You are a diamond in the making.
It’s in the middle of a challenge where we need positive energy the most. So let this be a gentle, encouraging voice reminding you that “You didn’t come this far, to only come this far”. And that one day it will all make sense. All the pressure will be worth it. You are resilient. You... Continue Reading →
Shifting from anxiety to excitement
They say we only use 5-10% of our brain’s full potential. A statement I tend to agree with. Know thyself. Understanding ourselves better, including our brains, is always the first step in tapping into what’s possible, within, and all around us. Hacking the brain. Did you know that fear and excitement share the same set of neurotransmitters,... Continue Reading →
Psychology 101: Ask Dr. D.
Getting to know my students is one of my favourite parts being a professor. Accordingly, I ask students a lot of questions. So it’s only fair that students get to ask me questions too! Why did you become a psychologist? 🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJDKR07hDw What’s most interesting about being a college professor? 🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NieGvwEkkEI I would love... Continue Reading →
Ordinary Joys
Simple pleasures are my favourite. Hot coffee. Cozy blankets. Birds singing. The sun rising. Fast runs. Slow walks. Long days. Warm hugs. Peaceful silences. BLT sandwiches. Tomato soup. Matinee movies. Buttery popcorn. Ice cold pop. Walking on campus. Smiling in the hallways. Laughing with students. Learning from students. Driving home. Soulful conversations. Dreaming of the future. Reminiscing about... Continue Reading →
You Can Do College Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY I love sharing ideas with students I can’t imagine a better moment in life to learn about purpose and empowerment than when we are young. Which is why I embrace every opportunity to share the principles of positive psychology with students across Canada. The most recent opportunity being a conference called: “You Can Do... Continue Reading →
Shifting Positive on a Stressful Day
“Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.” In psychology class this week, I teach one of my favourite subjects - Stress, Coping, and Health Psychology Chapter 11 in my psychology textbook. I purposely teach this topic during the height of midterms. Raising awareness about the healthy (and not so healthy) ways students manage... Continue Reading →
I believe in you.
As a psychology professor and former school psychologist, I talk about mental health issues with students every single day. My classroom is a safe place for students to be themselves. Which is critical when working with youth (18-24) who represent the highest proportion of individuals with mental illness. Education helps bridge the gap between fear... Continue Reading →
How do you prepare for work each day?
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." I value positivity and a sense of security in the classroom, above all else. For it is only when students feel safe, supported, and uplifted are they motivated to learn. Creating a harmonious classroom atmosphere happens long before the school bell rings. Which is why... Continue Reading →
1000 views on the official TEDx site!
I am so excited to share that my TEDx video hit 1000 views today! 🎥 A BIG thank you for watching and sharing my TEDx talk with your friends and family. We are stronger than our stress. This I know for sure. Together we will thrive under pressure. 💥 Click on TEDx Video → Thriving Under Pressure
TEDx Talk: Thriving Under Pressure
Good news to share! I have been working on a TEDx project with the University of Windsor TEDx team since last year. And just an hour ago, I received the good news that the finished video was uploaded to the official TEDx site today! So pumped! Stress Resilience In my TEDx Talk I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure... Continue Reading →
From Stress to Strength.
Challenge can be difficult. Adversity overwhelming. Growth painful. I agree! Instead of seeing obstacles and stressors as taking you down. Try perceiving challenges as taking you UP ↑ Again and again and again. For it’s in this uncomfortable space in between failure and success; breakups and makeups; exams and graduation — that strength is ultimately born. 💥
TEDx Photos: Diamonds from Pressure.
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” I am excited to share an interview, photos, and a short video clip from yesterday’s TEDx Event at the University of Windsor. It was one of the most positive speaking experiences I’ve ever had. Truly magical. TEDx Videoclip TEDx Slideshow TEDx Dream Team Thank you for letting me share... Continue Reading →
TEDx Preparation: Diamonds from Pressure.
I have some exciting news to share! I was recently chosen to be a TEDx speaker for the University of Windsor TEDx Event on Sunday, January 28, 2018. The theme of the event is “Diamonds from Pressure”. Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog — Thriving Under Pressure. What are TEDx Talks? "A... Continue Reading →