Category — Applications of Positive Psychology

Zest for LIFE!!!

Do you have zest for life?  Zest is the last of the 24 strengths in the VIA, and is categorised under Transcendence.  Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment encapsulates zest (Zest, n.d.)!

September 13th is my first performance on the big stage in a grand theatre.  Having been to Victoria Concert Hall several times as a spectator, it is a dream come true not only to intimately experience the performance area, but also to experience first hand a live performance on stage, with a 500-strong audience!

Awesome is the word, zest is my feeling!  Have you experienced totality in your encounters and activities?  Do you experience the passionate drive that fires up your engine for the entire 24 hours?

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Is authenticity vital today?

Yes, and if so, even more important in today’s context.

What is authenticity? Authenticity, one of the VIA‘s strengths, is defined as “owning one’s personal experiences, be they thoughts, emotions, needs, preferences, or beliefs, processes captured by the injunction to know oneself” and “behaving in accordance with the true self” (Harter, 2002, p. 382). In essence, authenticity is being real and true to yourself.

Definitely, authenticity is vital in the extrapersonal (dealing with groups of individuals), interpersonal (dealing on a one-on-one basis) and intrapersonal (dealing with yourself) domains. However, the crux of the issue lies not in being authentic, but in daring to be authentic.

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We are like crystals. We need a light to shine upon us to bring out the sparkles within us – Yip Pei Shan

This sparklet of wisdom was inspired by the sunlight shining on the beautiful crystals hanging on my table light. Crystals are beautiful, and their beauty is enhanced when a light is focussed on them. A light transforms the crystal from a clear silence into a myriad of rainbow colours! Furthermore, these colours extend beyond the parameters of the crystal, lighting up everything they touch.

Like crystals, we need a light to shine upon us. [Read more →]

On 20 February 2008, I wrote on What is the secret to a meaningful life? I was, and still is, enamoured with Seligman’s (2002) idea of what comprises meaning in our lives. Meaning is created when there is furtherance in knowledge, power and goodness.

I believe there is an abundance of knowledge and power, and ever increasing goodness as well. The crux lies in using our signature strengths, and in particular, how well we use our signature strengths. The flow diagram below details the stages of signature strengths.

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My beloved friends,

After several terrific talks and a long absence from speaking due to a nasty flu, I am back with a vengeance!

In my eighth and ninth speeches entitled Shanshine your sunshine!, I will introduce the concept of shanshining, what sunshine is in relation to happiness, and why Happiness Coaching is great for you! A little shanshiney gift will be given at the end of the session!

I invite you to the eighth and ninth of my Positive Psychology series in Singapore presented on two days. Details as follows:

• Topic: Shanshine your sunshine!

• Venue: ITMA Toastmasters, NUSS Suntec City Guild House, Suntec City Mall 05-001, Singapore
• Date: 16 May 2008
• Time: 7-10pm

• Venue: NTU Alumni and West Coast Toastmasters, NTU Alumni Club, Level 9, 11 Slim Barracks Rise, Singapore
• Date: 17 May 2008
• Time: 2-5pm

I look forward to seeing you there!

With love,
Pei Shan