Category : Coaching Positivity

Happiness: Son Hari’s Nepal Wisdom

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

What would you take as a gift for your adopted family in Nepal?
All you have is a carry-on for 19 days.

What souvenirs would you want to bring back? Bet you’d want what I did…
Golden memories of meeting my family. Happy, positive reminiscing photos that
would trigger those few days of fun and love.

As Hari’s American mama, “Ama” in Nepalese, I had to bring them all a symbol
of the USA. Materially, I wanted art and a beautiful Buddha and a Hindu
Compassion Buddha.

Hari’s gifts to me were many that I will treasure forever. Mostly treasured were the
gifts of philosophy from his heart. I will get to that in a minute.

You see some of his generously here. There was also tea, ginger, yak butter, candy,
popcorn, and cheese balls! Yes, cheese balls! We ate so many on the trip, he bought
us a case! I even brought some home to Ken.

Hari’s virtuous wisdom:

~ Ama, every day is a good day!

~ We are all blessed. We have happy time together.

~ No worry, AMA. All is as it is supposed to be.

~ There is no late, Ama. This is Nepal!

~ Heart and soul are what matters. You are my gift, Ama.

Talk about strengths in action! How many can you spot?

Wisdom, humor, kindness, beauty, authenticity, generosity, to name a few.

Here’s the back story about the stunning jacket. OK, I admit it, I wanted a jacket,
one that would reflect Nepal’s artistry. It was the last day of our trip and an hour
before we off for the airport. My travel mate wanted one last gift, so lickety-split,
Hari took us off to one of the nicest quality stores. I never dreamed I would get
the jacket you see here. It was pricey, but it fit and I loved the color. That’s when
I saw another side of Hari. The businessman. The son who going to help his Ama
score! He dickered and cajoled. I had $41 dollars left for the long trip home, and
not enough for the jacket. Hari grabbed my moola, but the man would not budge
on the price. Hari had already gotten the price reduced substantially, but I was not
going to buy it. Hari is rich in heart and spirit, but extra rupees were not padding
his packets. Out of nowhere, he with a grin, he opened his wallet and paid the
difference. I protested, but he won.

Back home, I have hung up my beautiful hand embroidered masterpiece so I can
see it every time I enter my closet. A gift of the heart.

How can you look at your strengths and offer someone a gift?
You do… Just by being terrific you!

I love when you email me answer to my questions or comment on a blog.
That is your gift to me and I love you for it!

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Speaking of gifts, thanks to all of you who have purchased my books for holiday
gifts to your clients and friends. “Photo Adventures in Cuba ~Unlock Your
Power of Positivity isn’t just about Cuba. It has 3 questions at the end of each
chapter that are geared for you. These questions to help you spot your strengths
and find creative ways to use them in uniquely powerfully fulfilling ways.

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I’d love to hear from you! Just send me your questions, and I will answer in a future blog.
You can also connect with me on facebook, LinkedIn, or twitter
www.facebook.com/drjudykrings

Want more adventure?  Don’t forget to take a look at my new book…
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”
Click here to take a peek!

Have You Ever Made Your Dreams Come True and Helped Others, Too?

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

Have you ever made your dream come true and helped others, too?

Do you need a pause to mindfully mull over that that powerful question?
It’s your personal positive psychology coaching in action.

Simultaneous positivity. You helping others the same time you are living a bucket list dream.
It trickles down to rivers of lovely life-long memories. Not to mention passion, meaning and
purpose. Here’s my recent story that may help you open your memory bank.

My big time moment of joyful jubilation was watching the thrilled, excited, and shocked
look on the faces of the folks I met during my travels to Cuba last year. I left money as a tip,
but I also left them items I had researched and knew were scarce, or down right impossible,
to procure in Cuba.  Shampoo, make up, tooth brushes, other personal items, colored pens
and paper, markers, nylons, stickers and little toys for the orphanage kids, to name a few.
I had my huge suitcase packed with magazines, books, and other goodies, and even food
treats, hoping I’d not get busted at the border. I made it.

I DID get my naughty self into a jam or two, but I’ll save those stories for you later. My
fellow travelers teased me about my over-sized luggage, but I knew the secret inside.
My few clothes were in my carry on.

Lucky me, after 57 years of waiting (and patience has never been my strong suit!), my
dream to go to Cuba flowered. Why such intent? To share the photos with my Mom.
Her only 2-day vacation with my Daddy was an unexpected ferry ride journey to Havana
after a family emergency in Florida. And they talked about it and relished their photos.

Want to know how you can unleash a flood of positive memories using your character
strengths? (Remember you can always review the list of the Values in Action 24 strengths
at my website)

Here’s 5 Tips to lovingly laminate and celebrate your happy moments:

1. Find old photos and use “Positive Reminiscence”. Famed positive psychology researcher,
Sonja Lyubomirsky shines her coaching positivity light on sealing happy savoring.  How?
Write down cherished happy events in your life.  This nets you greater well-being than if
you only think about happy memories. So Journal your joy!

And that knowledge, dear Watson, led me writing notes to share with my 92 year old Mom,
Louise. I had no intentions whatsoever in writing a book about Cuba, but life intervened,
and those notes were invaluable.

2. List your cherished memories as far back as you can remember. There is an odd
thing that may happen here, so plan ahead. Sometimes when you remember a lovely memory,
a not so fun memory surfaces as well. Kick that one to the curb. Re-enacting the negative
event may spoil your positive memory.

3. Keep your eyes closed while you are remembering the good times. Go ahead and
look at your cherished photos, but then close your eyes. You will remember subtle details,
especially if you are helping someone else. Paint a mental picture of you with them and
feel a smile erupt on your face. Authentic you helping bringing joy to another. Pristine
positivity. I will never forget the look on a Cuban farmer’s face after he had stopped to
let me take a photo of him and is water buffalo team. Gratefully, I handed him a pen and
a candy. His jaw dropped in humble humility. He couldn’t believe his good fortune. He
joyfully stared at that pen as if I had given him all the prizes in one of Oprah’s
“Favorite Things” shows.

4. Sharing is caring and puts memories in bold. To strengthen happy memories, talk
about them out loud. Mom and I talked about Cuba and my Daddy, and other adventures
as we looked at Cuba now. We laughed and neither of us will forget these great times
together. Thank God her memory at 92 is Windex clear.

5. Live for today but be mindful to create memories for tomorrow. Take photos. Close
your eyes and memorize the scene you want to remember. Your brain is your friend! Use it.
You might get teased the way I do when someone notices me, but who cares. I want to
cement my fun for the days to come when my travels are done.

Tell friends your stories. Jack up your courage strength and go on a radio show. Hosts
are always looking for fun people with interesting experiences to share.

Want to keep your momentum going? Think of a dream you have. Make a plan. Set a timeline.
Weave in ways you can help others. Give win win a spin! Your treasured memories await.
And speaking of looking for the good, using your brain also wards off dementia.
How’s that for motivation?

“Go ahead and make my day”, as Clint Eastwood would say! I would LOVE to hear your
happy stories, so please send me a comment and share.

“Don’t be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams.” ~ Les Brown

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Want more adventurous ways to spice up our life and create your best life zest?
Then you’ll love my new book, “Photo Adventures in Cuba – Unlock Your Power of
Positivity”. Get your Kindle, ireader, Ebook or print book at: Amazon.com

My Nepal Family Reunion Rocks!

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a family member you have never met?
One who lived far away? Maybe even thousands of miles away?

I suppose three years over the span of my lifetime isn’t a long time to wait, but it surely
seemed that way. But great experiences are worth exercising your patience strength.

Those of you on my Facebook, may recognize my adopted son, Hari Aryal,
(FB name is Hari Prasad Aryal) who lives in the countryside a long bus ride from where
he works as a trekking guide and office worker for renowned Earthbound Expeditions.
They are the company who makes your travel to Nepal, India, and Tibet your trip of a lifetime.

I will tell you lots more about the trip in future blogs. It was amazing, incredible and a
lifetime memory-maker, but I thought you’d enjoy knowing the back story about Hari.

Three years ago I was heading to Kathmandu for the Positive Psychology Appreciative
Inquiry conference. Poor Mom broke her ankle and the trip needed to wait. Then two
years ago, Mom landed in the hospital after her legs decided to pitch a fit again. Don’t
you love it when things seem to challenge plans and later you realize that the timing of
those events made your life all the sweeter? That’s what happened re: Hari.

When I researched Earthbound Expeditions, I began to correspond with Hari, then 24.
We became great friends and correspondents. He apologizes about his English, but he
is a poet whose descriptions of Nepal (Never-ending Peace and Love) made my mouth
water. His Himalayas jumped out at me in vivid, jaw-dropping photos and ginger honey
words. I was hooked on Nepal, but meeting Hari sweetened the pot and made my mission
more imperative.

For years he asked about my family, especially Grammy, whose capers he follows in my blog.
One day, after a particularly wonderful email, I signed off, “Your American Mama.”
The flood gates to his heart opened. Hari’s own Mom had died when he was three.
He had always dreamed of having a mother. Now he has his “Ama,” as they say in Nepal.
Talk about positivity!

After that, I felt the door to my heart open even wider. So did his. We shared and cared.
It’s never too late to add more love. I will tell you, Hari has taught me more about living
your values than anyone else I have ever met. Hari always says, “No worries, Ama, all is OK!”

In the photo you see Hari and his adorable family. His adorable kids are 4 and 6.
Isn’t Dipa his wife, stunning?

I had thought seeing Mt. Everest and the jaw-dropping scenery of Nepal and Tibet was
my #1 agenda. But Hari changed all that. His humanity and incredible kindness reminded
me no matter what the beauty, it is people who spin the stunning textures into your life.

Have you ever added to your “family” and watched your life light up like the vibrant
reds, yellows and oranges on your autumn maple tree of life? How did it change the
seasons of your life?

My travel tips?

~ Smile!
~ Be the first to say hello.
~ Have an open mind and heart.
~ Keep moderate expectations so the good will really star!
~ Be generous and appreciative.

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What would you like to know about my trip to Nepal and Tibet?
I’d love to hear from you! Just send me your questions, and I will answer in a future blog.
You can also connect with me on facebook, LinkedIn, or twitter www.facebook.com/drjudykrings

Want more adventure?  Don’t forget to take a look at my new book…
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”
Click here to take a peek!

7 Virtues of a Good Man

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

My dear friend, self-made man, Dan Peters, has been through the trenches.
Severe child abuse, electrocution, drug and alcohol abuse, a suicide attempt,
and business challenges have sent him to his knees. Regardless, Dan’s passion
to help others trumps.

Recently, we were rehashing positivity and strengths strategies. Without missing
a beat, he whipped out his recent journal page. I asked him if I could share it
with you. “Absolutely, if it might another, you bet!”

Loves GOD (with all of his mind, all of his heart, all of his soul and all
of his strength): Realizes his life is no accident and allows time each day to give
thanks and praise to his Father GOD. He subjects his will to that of his Creator.

Purposeful: Understands there is but one method for success; time and energy.
He acknowledges life will interject wondrous events and circumstances. He willingly
and inevitably adjusts his initial goals.

Provider: Is mindful of the needs of his spouse, children, friends and self . He
meets these with love, time spent and inspiration (in-spirit). He knows material
things alone can never hope to achieve authentic love.

Trustworthiness: Must first be honest with himself, to discern the real motives
behind his actions; this will facilitate his ability to be honest with others. He has an
uncompromising ethical code based on his values, spirituality and his own experiences.

Unselfishness: Is generous with his time, talent and treasures for the betterment
of others. He has developed a discerning mind to minimize becoming a doormat for
those who would abuse his generous spirit. He is mindful it is better to be used than
to be the user.

Facility for Compassion: Is cognizant of the real, undeserved suffering of others.
He is innately willing to do something about it now. He never forgets charity starts
at home, strengthening him to give more to others.

Seeker of Wisdom: Has chosen upstanding role models. Treats himself as he
would a friend, with knowledge he will experience lapses in judgment and will
make mistakes along the way. He makes use of these events to learn. He remembers
to be grateful always.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart, Dan, for sharing your personal creed. You are
a role model for resilience. Why not share this with all the men you love, your kids,
grand kids and friends? What would you add to your creed? How about sprinkling
some loving kindness your own way, too?

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I love your comments, so I hope to hear from you! Feedback is fun.

Need more coaching positivity strengths? Get more fun well-being and flourishing
tips and my free Ebook at: http://www.coachingpositivity.com

Hope you enjoy a peek at my glossy new strengths book,
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”, too.
Or download a copy for your kindle or ireader at:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Adventures-in-Cuba-ebook/dp
/B005CRDHWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316487933&sr=1-1

Avoid First Time Writer Mistakes – 9 Strength Tips for Coaches

Posted by Dr. Judy at 11:30 am

Do you want to write a book, but your brain gets stuck in freeze-frame fear mode? Or maybe you have a message to deliver, but you can’t get your mojo movin’? Positive psychology coaching helps you overcome overwhelm. It magnifies opportunities for writing success.

I never planned to write a book, at least not until I retired. I’m a positivity coach, who LOVES strengths spotting, but when it came to writing my book, hindsight slapped me with a new awareness. I had left my character strengths in moth balls! Here’s the back-story.

Family and friends enjoyed photos taken during my long-awaited Cuban trip. Humbly, they delighted in hearing my “Values in Action” (VIA) strengths vignettes, especially the ones where I interacted with unexpectedly warm and open Cubans. They twisted my arm (OK, I let them!) to write a book about my tropical adventures.

Next, I was asked to appear as a guest with radio talk show host, Stacey Chadwell, serving Viki Winterton’s The Coach Exchange (tce). This spurred my writing an article, “Birthing My First Book”, in the premier edition of PUBLISHED! Magazine. I’m the one with egg all over her face as a newbie who knew nothing, and I mean nothing, about book writing. The other authors are stellar and famous. I felt like a guppy swimming with wonderful whales, but it was fun and a joyful learning experience.

As a coach, you have wisdom and you know you are way more than enough, right? You are creative, resourceful and whole. But translating that into writing is an incredible challenge. So don’t do it the way I did it, backwards! Grab your strengths and let your story unfold. Add a positivity outline and lightening your load.

Empower yourself with 9 Strengths Tips I wish I had known BEFORE I initiated my book:

1. Critical Thinking and Creativity.

Plan ahead! Know your mission before your fingers hit the keyboard. Do our homework first. Mindmap your purpose and who you want your book to serve. Fall in love with colorful, funky post-it notes, message boards or favorite techie note-taking devices. Let your ideas flow and watch your enthusiasm grow.

2. Self Regulation and Fairness.

Get organized, set time aside to write, and make a “fair to yourself” time line for completion. No excuses! Look your “yes-but’s” and “if only’s” in the eye and challenge them to a “get it done” dual. You win and yell “Mission accomplished!” Of course you have competing agendas. That’s life. It’s hard. But be true to talented you. Don’t expect perfection.

I wrote my book for my 92 year old Mom. She is my joy. I love to communicate with her and her caregivers several times a day. I also swing like Tarzan seeing a full caseload of coaching clients, mentoring, blogging, appearing on radio, and studying positive psychology. But even God rested on the 7th day! Remember you need a life, too. Reward yourself with a treat! Don’t expect perfection.

3. Social Intelligence and Curiosity.

Know who you are marketing to and the purpose of our message. Curiously ascertain how your book will serve their needs. Take a fun poll of your colleagues. See how your book will benefit them. As author of “Curious”, Todd Kashdan, would say, “Embrace uncertainty”. Be a flexible, “curious explorer”.

4. Diligence and Authenticity.

Expect hard work but feel fun in your achievement. Let the real you rip. Tell on yourself like I did in my book. Nothing like getting busted in a Cuban cemetery. No jail time, but great stories captured.

5. Zest and Gratitude.

Join a writers/book marketing community. Get mentors. Remember positive psychology pioneer Chris Peterson’s mantra, “Other people matter.” Let them know how much you appreciate their enthusiasm in helping you reach for your writing star.

6. Teamwork and Leadership.

Expect to pull your hair out, but not all of it! Be the lead sled dog, but get a book/writing/marketing coach. Here’s one of my favorite quotes, “No man is an island.”, John Donne. You will have questions and you deserve answers. You have invested your heart and soul, but you also need to invest cash if you what a return on your hard-earned investment.

7. Humor and Tenacity.

Cuss if you must, but never give up! Feeling blue with no words flowing out if you? Get moving! Get the adrenalin hopping. Call a friend. Pet your dog or get one if you don’t have one. Rescue one for a super win win. That pup will perk you up while you write! Not a pet lover? Get a stuffed animal or lucky charm. Anything that makes you smile.

8. Bravery and Hope/Optimism.

Phooey to FEAR. It is only “Fantasized Experience Appearing Real!” Warning! You need to eat your Wheaties when you write a book. And add a little bran, too, if you know what I mean. Words can really block you up!

Life is what you tell yourself it is. Perception is everything. You can ACT the way you choose or REACT negatively when you put someone else in YOUR driver’s seat. Lighten your emotional load. LET GO of baggage that does not serve you.

9. Capacity to Love and Be Loved and Kindness.

Lasso love for yourself. Lavish encouragement onto your psyche. Here’s a technique I read about the other day, and wish I had saved the source. To feel happier, hug yourself. Yup, sounds weird, but try it. Charm yourself as you chuckle. Let me know if it worked!

Bless Judy Cullins and Viki Winterton, the greatest mentors ever. You can see all my foibles and more ways to prevent the screw ups I made when you read my “Birthing My First Book” article in The Coach Exchange’s Published! Magazine.

You want a great writing your book outcome, right? I hope you join me as I write more blogs about each character strength. How to spot them and add joy to your own strengths spotting journey. Learn how to suck up and savor life. It’s time you blast off to create your best self life.

Here’s to your fun and flourishing.

What’s your favorite strengths story? What did you learn about life the hard way? How did you conquer your fears?

Put a smile on my face and make a comment. I look forward to hearing your feedback. You matter!

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For more of Judy’s wisdom, you are welcomed to grab a free copy of her Ebook re: tips to rev up your relationships and also get fun photo blogs delivered right to eDoorstep when you Like my page on Facebook by clicking here

And want more adventure? Grab a copy of my exciting, fun, and exotic traveling with your strengths print book or Kindle. Just click here now

Need a coach? To see if you fit with Judy, check out her coaching pages