Got a minute? Speedy mood-changers

Issue No. 33

September 2011

Change Your Mood!

As previously announced, I plunged this month into the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at U Penn.

And as promised, I'm using the newsletter to bring you some of the many bright ideas I'm finding there, so you can put them to work in your own busy lives.

For example, I'm introducing the "positive introduction." Also, a few simple exercises classmates devised for bringing more positive emotion into their lives, along with one of my own.

And finally, an introduction to something called the "peak-end" rule that can make you remember more fondly what happens to you.

Finally again... a thanks to YOU for an opportunity to write something without thumbing through the citation manual of the American Psychological Association. (Shhhh....I didn't really say that.)

Here's to more balance - and positive mood - in your life!

Pat

Quick! Change Your Mood

Jumpstart your positive thinking by creating your very own "positivity portfolio" to savor daily. Collect items that will inspire a positive mood and put them together in one spot - maybe a box or folder or video - where you can "visit" them.

Here are a few ideas classmates and I shared for test-driving more positivity, 15 minutes a day for at least a week:

Awe-Some Portfolio: Scan or download the most inspiring photos you've taken and create a slide show with music you can in your computer. (I tried this, and some old photos taken on my lunch hour + music were a sure for-the-better mood-changer).

Cards and Notes: Box up all the positive written notes and cards you've received from friends. Take time to savor them, with background music.

Long-distance relating: In a long-distance relationship? Set aside a time daily to savor notes, photographs, your signature songs and even that significant other's after-shave or perfume.

Humor portfolio: Every day for a week, collect all the funny stuff you can find - cartoons, e-mails, photos, music. Then sit with it and savor. You'll find you're looking for the funny after the project is done!

Creativity table: In a box or maybe on a spare table, collect some art supplies. Make a quick daily trip there to bring out the artist in you.

For more about building positivity toolkits, check out Chapter 11 of Barbara Fredrickson's book Positivity.

What's Your Positive Introduction?

If you're thinking "elevator speech," not so.

Psychologist Martin Seligman has developed a more meaningful "positive personal statement," written by MAPP students to introduce themselves to each other during the initial "immersion week."

Students are asked to write stories about a life event that shows them at their best - a time they truly lived their values.

It's a great way to get acquainted, and a great way to get to know yourself.

What would be in YOUR positive introduction?

Watch those peaks and ends!

What makes a memorable dinner? A great vacation? A memorable year for your organization?

Turns out every moment doesn't have to be picture-perfect. You can make happy memories by paying special attention to some peaks in the experience and especially important, the ending.

According to Swarthmore College professor Barry Schwartz, who lectured at MAPP this month, we judge how good our past experiences by how they felt at their best or worst (their peaks) and at the end.

So invite folks for dinner. Maybe put some KFC on a fancy plate. But wow them with the dessert.

Leash Law No. 33: Going with the flow

There's a lot of truth to the premise that what happens to us is not as important as how we react to it. Whatever your horoscope reading du jour, life will be more balanced if you leave room for surprises, creativity and the possibility of changing your mind. When strong winds come, the branch that bends does not break.

Ths is one of 74 leash laws offered in "The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life."

In This Issue

Change Your Mood!

Your Positive Intro

Peaks 'n Ends

Leash Law: Go with the flow

Website Feature

Quick Links

Pat's Website

Dog Journal

Latest Column

PAT'S FEATURED
IN WEBSITE
LAUNCH

Pat's featured as the spotlighted member in The Transition Network's website launch this month.

The article, "A Life In Pursuit Of Understanding Balance," includes some of Pat's thoughts on life balance and the role of humor.

The Transition Network is a not-for-profit women's organization based in New York City with a focus on "Embracing Change After 50."

Click here for the article and to check out the website.

WELD CALENDAR LAUNCH NOVEMBER 9

Pat's among the 2012 "Twelve Women You Should Know" calendar honorees named by Women for Economic

and Leadership Development (WELD)

Each year, WELD recognizes central Ohio women who have lived the WELD values by being leaders within their organizations and supporting other women.

The calendar will be launched at a reception Nov. 9.

Details and a complete list of calendar honorees here.

DAME ON!

OCTOBER 13

Pat's a panelist at the all-day Dames Bond

Dame On! Conference

October 13 at the

Makoy Center

in Hilliard.

With fellow panelists Elizabeth Lessner,

Shawn Ireland and Jennifer Brunner, she'll tell how she's living the life she loves.

Ann Fisher, host of WOSU Radio's "All Sides With Ann Fisher," will moderate.

Registration information and full agenda here.