Tag : Humor

Cheerios with a 2-Dog Character Strengths Chaser!

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

How do you eat your cheerios? Plain?  with Bananas?
Maybe with a box of sweet raisins?  Do you have pet critters watching you,
praying your spoon might slip, leaving them a tasty drop or two?

When Mom’s beloved caretaker, Cathy, sent this photo, I cracked up.
Teasing, I told Mom she eats her breakfast with 2 bodyguards.
No need for a napkin, either.  They lick her face for dessert!

Want to know about Miss Kiki, the white smarty pants, and Mugsy,
the marvelous brown mini-guard dog? When Mom first went to stay with
Cathy and Bill the end of April, Mugsy decided he and Mom were soul mates.
Granted, it took him a few loud barks to get the larger dogs to hoof it somewhere
else. The huge black dogs, Dudley, the great Dane, and darling German Shepherd,
Jet, had to hightail it when the 2 little terror pups pranced in.

But where did Lucas, the Black Scottie fit in?
Not one for attention, he’s the bystander and sometimes the referee.
Ironic, as Mom had a Black Scottie dog, Katie, she adored. I had bet
the ranch Mom would take to Lucas. But I was wrong. Wise Mom let the
dogs decide where their canine behinds would reside.
Luca-Duca likes to hide under Mom’s chair.

Love trumps. Mugsy was in love with Mom from the get go. He laid claim
to her lap ASAP! Pet time, nap time, treat time (don’t tell!), like a king, he reigns.

Are you wondering how Kiki got into the lap time picture?
Cathy’s watchful eye captured the original scene.
One day a few weeks ago, Kiki kept staring at Mom and Mugsy.
Her doggy brain must have lit up like a Christmas tree.
Cathy swears Kiki figured out Mugsy was hogging all the attention.
Kiki is, after all, the only lady in a sea of 4 male dogs.
It was time for her to garner some respect!

After a calculated moment, Kiki took a long leap. She unceremoniously
landed right on top of Mugsy. Not one to easily give up his kingdom,
Mugsy let Kiki lay right smack on top of him. He never budged for hours!
Mom laughed her butt off.

In some nonverbal diplomacy, the two of them have worked out squatters’ rights.
Negotiation and compromise. Not bad for two pesky pups knowing they’re in luck!

How many character strengths did you notice?
Here’s a few to get you started (even if some of them are of canine origin!):
Love…Patience…Creativity…Kindness…Teamwork…Gratitude…
Critical Thinking…Humor…

What have you learned from your pet today? Ever notice their strengths?
I’d love to hear about your critter capers. And speaking curious capers. . .

Treat yourself, friends and family to my new book:
Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”
Click here to take a peek!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

5 Tips to Quit Making Excuses

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

Do you make excuses?

If things go wrong, do you “complain and explain,” to use my
husband Ken’s words. Do you look for and find reasons to justify
your decisions? Bet you know people who live this theme every day.

I read this fascinating quote from “The StoryPeople,” and
it put my neurons on fun alert. Title: Really Good.
“I don’t have a whole lot of excuses for what’s gone wrong with my life,”
she said. “But the ones I do have are really good.”

As a shrink and coach, I’m an analyzer. I love to dig into
why certain weeds incessantly try to bloom in my garden.
Even my license plate reads “Analyze.” Why?
My curiosity strength is one of my signature strengths.
I love to discovery. Maybe that’s why I love NCIS on TV.

Why do you make an excuse?
Maybe you don’t want to do something, so tell a little white lie
to get out of it. Research relays the average person (whoever that is!)
lies many times a day. No kidding!

I’ll fess up. I hate to hurt feelings. An excuse might pop up
if I need to change my plans. I project others will be disappointed,
and I hate believing that. Excuses are like potato chips. Some days
you can’t get enough of them. But do you like all the pounds they
pile upon your positivity bones?

Here are 5 tips to dump your wagon of whining, making excuses, woes:
1. State the facts and shut up!
Ken’s words again. A bit gruff sounding when you first hear them ring
in your ear, but think about it. Which seems better to you: “Hi, Jane.
I know we made plans for Sat., but I need to cancel. I am disappointed.
I would love to reschedule.”  Versus: “Hi, Jane, I really do wish we could
get together Saturday, but, ah, I need to take the cat to the vet, then do errands
I hadn’t planned on, then I need to make some phone calls I have put off,
but so sorry, and hope you can forgive me, and I really mean it…Blah blah.

2. Pause to remember to live your values.
Honesty, integrity, and authenticity are strengths cementing your reputation.
Brings to mind one of my favorite coaching questions,
“How do you want to show up?”

3. Humor is OK!
“Susie, I got caught up and am busier than a 3-armed paper hanger.
Could we reschedule so I can really enjoy our time together?”
Remember the old “Carol Burnett” show? Carol would always be yelling,
“Mama, will you just shut the hell up?” No, it’s not nice to attack others,
but the point is to learn to be assertive. Say what you need openly.
But yes, please be kind!

4. Let go of past mistakes.
They were growth opportunities. Be grateful and appreciate yourself.
Identify what is right about wonderful you, not grieve over what is wrong.
Celebrate with positive self-talk, “I feel good when I tell it like it is. I am
aware of the feelings of others and am respectful, but I stay true to myself.”

5. No guilt trips allowed!
Guilt is like rocking in a rocking chair. It’s something to do, but it doesn’t
get you anywhere. Be grateful and appreciate life. If someone lays a guilt
trip on you, remind yourself, “I am not responsible for how you hear or
translate what I kindly say.” Boundaries are essential.

Maybe excuses hit home because holidays are approaching.
“Overwhelm” seems to be the word of the day. Remember,
“Too much to do!” starts with you. Self-care is essential.
Is that you I see stopping to organize and prioritize?
Getting out the red pen to cross off some unnecessary items?
Still having a problem? Flash me an email. I’ve got a gorilla and
a black grand-dog cock-a-poo, Fido, who will happily chase them away!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to all of you who have purchased my new book,
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”
for Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts. It’s packed with heart-warming
stories and picturesque photography.

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!

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

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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!

3 Tips How to Exercise Your Personal Affirmation Muscle

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

How do you start your day? Do you have a spiritual ritual, prayer, or reading that
reminds you how you want to show up each day?

Some people call this self-message an “intention”. Others call it personal
“affirmation”. These are messages you give yourself to live your BEST LIFE
now. To thrive every day you are alive. Here’s how:

1. Make a list of your most positive personality strengths and values. Don’t
be humble. Be grateful for who you are. Review your Values in Action Survey
(VIA) results (viacharacter.org) They are a breath of fresh air reminding you
how wonderful you are. Loving yourself makes it easier then to blast your
“pay it forward” energy out into the universe.

2. Stay in the NOW. Use the present tense. Use action verbs. Remind yourself
today is your day. Remember your unconscious believes what you tell it,
so empower your positivity to star on your stage each day. Lift up your curtain
with a smile.

3. Cope, not mope! Know how you REACT to life dictates whether you live your
values. If you tell yourself negative self talk, that is your reality. If you tell
yourself, “This sucks, but I will use my strengths to cope”, that black smear of
ink on your life won’t be permanent.

Here’s what Zig Ziglar suggests as an affirmation:

I look in the mirror and say, “I (your name) am honest and intelligent. I am
kind and loving and I am loved. I am a great listener. I am consistent and
persistent. I am creative and spontaneous. I am courageous. I recognize
and take advantage of opportunities that come my way.  I am positive.
Today is going to be an absolutely fantastic day. Great things will happen
today. I love you.”

You are unique! These are Zig’s words. Why not use our own to create a
paragraph that fits your like a comfy bedroom slipper? I know mine would
need the word humor injected somewhere.

 I would love to hear from you. Remember…Sharing is caring. Now’s the time
to be daring! How about making me smile and flash me your intention? Just
add your post below. We’ll compare notes when I return from Nepal and Tibet!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Do you suffer from Excuse Abuse? 7 Tips To Get It Done and No Whine with Your Cheese!

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

Is “Yes, But” or “If Only” your middle name?

Got too much on your procrastination plate, Bubba?

Is the phrase “personal responsibility” an oxymoron? An impossible dream?

Time to optimize optimism and happily ingest intestinal fortitude. Only you
can get to your designated finish line.

Save your sanity! Ignite these 7 tips and learn how to tolerate, calm, and accept
yourself as you accomplish with bliss! Don’t even think about making excuses as
you read these. I will hunt you down, and we WILL have one hot-to-trot coaching
session! Have fun and get it done! Here’s how:

1. Stop, take a deep breath in your nose, then breathe out your mouth with a
big sigh! Cut yourself some slack. Make a specific, realistic, time sensitive, able
to do, prioritized “to do” goal list. Feel your relief as you take a few more deep
breaths. One small step, then another. You will get there.

2. LOL. You heard me right. When you find yourself off track, laugh out loud.
Read a joke, watch a funny video, or go on line and Google laughing clubs.
Taking a break makes you work/play more effectively.

3. Honestly ask yourself, “What am I really avoiding? Greet your angst. Hug it.
Love it. Help it get back on track. Reward yourself when you accomplish even
a small goal win. Sing! Dance! Pat yourself on the back and grin!

4. Give thanks! Become a gratitude junkie. Thank yourself for getting things
done. Look for what you DO accomplish, not at what you don’t. Team with a
partner who can celebrate with you.

5. Ditch Stuck-it is? Think of folks who have it worse off than you. You will not
need to look far. Tell yourself, “I CAN!” and believe it.

6. Don’t bite off more than you can chew and criticize yourself. Make a list at
the end of the day of what you accomplished. Be realistic. Tomorrow is another
day. Remind yourself every day. Put the NIKE Swoosh somewhere you can
see it. Tell yourself,”Just do it!”

7. Personal responsibility is about loving yourself. Being enough. Not there?
Get some help! Call a friend or get a coach. You are everything you need, but
perhaps you lost where you put it? Write your top 5 signature strengths on funky
paper and plaster it everywhere.

Is that you rummaging around your closet looking for your Values in Action 24
Character Strengths? Way to go! Forgot them? Go http://www.coachingpositivity.com.
You will see them waiting for you in all their glory.

NO excuses! You want to be a winner in getting plans made and goals done, right?

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it,
but that it is too low and we reach it. ~ Michelangelo

“Judy Krings is an honest hold-your-feet-to-the-fire coach who
can help you get to your goals, and she does it with joy and
humor!” Dr. Kevyn Malloy, MentorCoach, Director of Learning

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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