Maintaining a positive outlook can be difficult. But consciously choosing the focus on the positive can build resilience for difficult times. Harvard Medical School offers these three tips that will help you harness your positive psychology. Express gratitude. Show thankful appreciation for simple things like a roof over your head or having people who care […]

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At the beginning of your next meeting, take notice of yourself and others.  Do you or your colleagues enter harried, burdened, rushing, sharing exasperation about how poorly the day is going as you recount details of unusually heavy traffic, subway issues, an incredibly long line at the coffee shop, or frustrations with technology and the lack […]

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 Are you struggling to stay positive in what may feel like a negative world? Negative energy can manifest itself in damaging ways that we don’t always recognize. Here are some suggestions that might help you turn that negative energy into something more positive. If you’re engaged in a contentious conversation, avoid being critical of […]

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For some people, the first time they’re approached with a new idea or question, their reflex response is, “No.” Immediately, they put up a wall that halts progress toward innovation or needed change. If that feels familiar, try this… When confronted with something new, give yourself permission to delay acting reflexively. Give the cortisol in […]

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“To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” Within these words by Henry David Thoreau, I find an undeniable truth about consciously choosing to think positively. So, I’m asking you: what thoughts are occupying valuable space in your mind?  Do you […]

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These 3 Questions Can Turn Problems Into Solutions When something bad happens, it can launch us into a negative spiral of thoughts and reactions, “blame-storming” or an overwhelming sense of intractable defeat. Such reactions are not productive, nor do they acknowledge the full reality of the situation. Remember, there are opportunities within what is perceived […]

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Are You A “Yes” Person Or A “No” Person? The first response to just about any question for a “no” person is, “No.” Even if the answer turns out to be yes, the “no” person starts with “No.” “Yes” people usually begin with, “Yes,” or at least, “Let me see how I can help you.” […]

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Newly Discovered Benefits of Generosity A researcher in Switzerland has proven something some of us already knew. Generous people are happier. Those who are concerned about the well-being of their fellow human are happier than those who focus only on their own advancement. You don’t have to be a self-sacrificing martyr to get happy. Professor […]

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When unwanted results show up, and they always do, where do you put your energy and attention?  On the problem or the solution? If you’re like the majority of people, in your personal and professional life, the things you don’t want end up captivating you.  You think about them.  Talk about them.  Wrestle with them.  […]

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Dr. Maya Angelou lived a noteworthy life.  There is no question that her teachings and way of being positively affected the lives of many people around the world. In one of her quotes that I treasure, she said:  “One isn’t’ necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.  Without courage, we cannot practice […]

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Alisa Bowman, author of “Project Happily Ever After,” says the key to happiness is not in getting, but in giving.  Shawn Achor, a researcher and author of “Before Happiness,” says when we get what we want, we become accustomed to it and stop valuing the thing we thought was so important. There are all kinds […]

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Do you ever feel like you’re not really competent, but everyone else is?  Do you sometimes feel like you’re acting as if you belong, but you don’t.  Figure that it won’t be long until you’re found out?  When others praise your work or compliment you, do you doubt their sincerity or feel like the recognition […]

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Do you have the same mindset as Earvin “Magic” Johnson?  He says, “I am a businessman. This is what I do each and every day. I love it. I love coming to work. I never have a bad day.” Do you feel the same way?  Do you love your work?  Daily, do you get up […]

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This year, Today Show’s Natalie Morales said her 2014 resolution is to live in the present.  She said it so fast, that I’m not sure she even took it seriously. Living in the present sounds like such a simple goal – unless you’ve tried to achieve it.  If you have, you know how difficult fully […]

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Dear Teressa, Could you please provide tips to stay grounded and focused despite being surrounded by people who aren’t?  Also how can I cultivate and encourage a friend’s talent without over stepping boundaries? Lilliana   Dear Lilliana, Years of experience suggests that being grounded – with balanced physical, mental and emotional energy and attention focused […]

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In the late 70s, Teddy Pendergrass sang a song titled, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself.” The lyrics went on to explain, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself, because everywhere you go, there you are.”  How true! You are the one constant in your life.  So, it’s very important for you to be in charge of you.  […]

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In the late 70s, Teddy Pendergrass sang a song titled, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself.” The lyrics went on to explain, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself, because everywhere you go, there you are.”  How true! You are the one constant in your life.  So, it’s very important for you to be in charge of you.  […]

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We tend to react to familiar situation in familiar ways.  That’s clearly true any time we find ourselves back in a familiar situation – like celebrating a holiday with our family of origin or our in-laws. Without thinking, old ingrained patterns of behavior kick in.  When the pattern is constructive, the gathering tends to feel […]

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Many of you wrote in response to last week’s post, “Hurricane Sandy: My Personal Pivot Point.”  Your words were kind.  Your offers of help were genuine and generous.  You opened up your homes, extending an invitation to visit, escape the chaos and rest.  And, knowing that you’re praying for us, enveloping us in loving thought, […]

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