This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 at 1:55 pm and is filed under Positive Psychology Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Research in positive psychology began as a reaction TO the research that had been done studying “not so well folks.” As a result the methodology employed to study “mental illness” was the same methodology used to study “mental well being”. Seligman, Peterson, Diener, and a host of others have been intently looking at what creates a person who is able to not only survive the slings and arrows of life, but indeed, those who learn to thrive.
As a first Happiness Tip, my suggestion would be to go online to Values in Action and take the Values In Action (VIA) Signature Strengths Test…you will be glad you did.
Great foundation for building Happiness/Strength and Hope during a time of challenge.
read comments (4)
September 25th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Excellent history of your past. I have previously taken VIA Stengths Test. Now, how does one use the results to deal with an ongoing grieving process?
September 26th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Jane,
Perfect question…Usually it’s most helpful to look at your top five strengths. The definitions of the strengths are on the Values in Action website. Then ask yourself, how are these strengths operating in my life right now, even in my “grief” life? For example, one of my signature strengths is humor and playfulness, usually the LAST thing one thinks of during “tough times.” Shortly after my husband died I decided to “play” to that strength and ended up watching silly movies, bought a Halloween wig, and in general tried to have some fun in the midst of the “tragedy.” Our family even employed that strength in preparing or the funeral. The funeral director brought the “empty casket” home, the girls decorated it, played music Rob loved, and filled the casket with trinkets, like a Davey Crockett hat…(thanx, CW). Although some might find such actions “inappropriate” it was a way we played to our strengths, it was a way to cope and deal with an untenable situation.
If you would be willing, why not post your strengths and maybe we as a new community can offer ideas? I am game if you are.
Fondly, Beth
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:48 pm
My five top strengths on 9/28/07 were as follows:
1. Honesty,authenticity and genuineness
2. Kindness and generosity
3.Citizenship,teamwork and loyalty
4.Fairness, equity and justice
5.Judgment, critical thinking and open-mindedness.
I was saddened to note that when I took this test in 12/94 my 2nd strength was Humor and playfulness and that has dropped to Strength 7. I guess that’s what can happen with changes in a person’s life.
October 3rd, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Okay I’m willing to throw my strengths out there and see what ideas may follow.
Lorri
Your Top Strength
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a “real” person.
Your Second Strength
Modesty and humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.
Your Third Strength
Kindness and generosity
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
Your Fourth Strength
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
Your Fifth Strength
Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.