BRING POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY TO LIFE...
AND THRIVE AS A POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AMBASSADOR

Most forms of psychology have traditionally focused on illness and disease (what is WRONG with the individual). Positive Psychology, in contrast, takes a developmental view to explore what is RIGHT with the individual. Using empirical data and double blind studies, researchers around the country and around the world analyze the techniques and thought processes that can help others obtain a positive state of mind. In the application, Positive Psychology uses tools like gratitude, mindfulness, savoring, and appreciative inquiry to cultivate a more joyful state of being.

As Penn State’s Positive Psychology Center states:  

The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play.

​

Martin Seligman, Ph.D., the “father of positive psychology” also gives the following overview of Positive Psychology’s methods, and these pillars are the focus of the Positive Psychology Ambassador program.

​

WELL BEING is achieved through consistent effort to blend

• Positive Emotion

• Engagement

• Relationships

• Meaning

• Accomplishments

What is happiness?

Positive Psychology’s mission is to allow for more joy and meaning in a person’s life. Researchers have found that happiness does not mean that we are in a state of extreme joy at all times, but that overall, we are content and feel fulfilled by our lives. It should not be confused with “think happy thoughts” philosophies or admonitions, similar to Stewart Smalley’s famous “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and Doggone it, people like me.”

Happiness can mean finding a natural clarity and stability in our minds, finding joy in our relationships, or being positively engaged with our careers and volunteer work. More importantly, we can learn how to be more joyful with just a few simple exercises.

Applying Positive Psychology to our lives might include:  

• Savoring: really enjoy those things that make you happy, perhaps recalling them in your mind later, or speaking about them with a loved one.

• Finding “flow”: seek out activities in your work and personal life that challenge and absorb you.

• Practicing forgiveness: write a letter or journal entry and let go of the anger towards a person who has harmed you.

…And many more that you will learn in the Positive Psychology Ambassador Program!

​

What does this mean for our daily lives?

As part of the Positive Psychology Ambassador program, we learn to use the tools given to us from Positive Psychology researchers in order to combat the daily onslaught of negativity, sarcasm, or judgment that is so often weighing us down.   

Let’s take one example of how positive psychology can turn even small instances into an opportunity for enjoyment. Pretend that you’ve just arrived home, tired in need of a little relaxation, and the dog is staring at you. We can think “Ugh, I have to walk the dog”. Or, using positive psychology techniques, including mindfulness and reframing, we might turn this into, “while I walk the dog, I can get some fresh air, clear my mind, get a little exercise, and perhaps even say hello to the neighbors.” And how much better does that feel?

​

As a growing number of people throughout the world become increasingly aware of the benefits of practicing PPsy (gratitute, mindfulness, well-being, flow...), the more change will be felt around the Globe. 

References:

Cohen, S., Alper, C., Doyle, W., Treanor, J., Turner, R. (2006). Positive Emotional Style Predicts Resistance to Illness After Experimental Exposure to Rhinovirus or Influenza A Virus. Psychosomatic Medicine, 68, 809- 815 

​

Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin

​

Seligman, M., Steen, T., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist

​

Tindle, H.A. et al. (2008). Optimism, Hostility and Incident Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality in the Women's Health Initiative. American Heart Association Circulation, 118: S_1145-S_1146  

`                                  BECOME A POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AMBASSADOR  `

"There is relief from the negativity, judgment and snarkiness you encounter as you navigate life. Each day you can choose to create ripples within your settings and community - using simple yet powerful positive psychology interventions. Make the choice to become a Positive Psychology Ambassador!"   -- John Long

​

In 2009, John had the privilege of completing the 8 week Mentorcoach Master Class, North of Neutral: Positive Psychology Immersion 2, taught by one of the pioneers in positive psychology, the late Christopher Peterson, Ph.D.

Imagine a life in which...

+ You can truly overcome the negativity that surrounds you, including those self-defeating thoughts.

+ You are confident that your life has meaning and purpose. 

+ You are able to turn any seemingly “negative” situation into a positive one.

+ You can help others to fortify themselves against the doubts, criticisms, and negativity that surround us in the modern world – both from our own minds and outside influences. 

+ You have tested and trusted tools with which to thrive. 

+ You are skilled at nurturing others (your students, clients, patients, employees, or
family members) so that they, too, can experience daily enrichment and meaning.

​

It is possible! A Positive Psychology Ambassador excels in these abilities…and more.  Bring Positive Psychology to your Community (family, friends, peers, collegues, patients, students, clients...). Bring positive psychology to LIFE and THRIVE as a PPsyA.

What is a Positive Psychology Ambassador  ::  PPsyA?

For most people, learning a few simple tools can move us from surviving to thriving! Positive Psychology uses strengths to improve our well-being, and a Positive Psychology Ambassador (PPsyA) uses these tools for the good of others, in whichever environment we find ourselves.  

By embracing and practicing several core techniques, we can move from surviving to thriving, and help others to experience more meaning in their lives, too.  

​

Positive Change Starts with You!

For anyone who works with people, it’s important to not only be positive for your own mental health, but also to foster positivity in others. As a Positive Psychology Ambassador, you will learn simple and fun ways to turn conversations, classes, and interactions into positive experiences for all involved. Through proven techniques, you will learn how to turn doubt and negativity into an opportunity for positivity!  

​

Why Become a Positive Psychology Ambassador  ::  PPsyA?

The science reports that being happier and more optimistic has many benefits, both for ourselves and others. Even with just one exercise from positive psychology, many people report feeling less sadness and increased levels of optimism and joy. And, when we learn to find meaning in our own lives, we can help others to do the same. It’s not about just “fixing what’s wrong”, we learn how to “build on the strong”.

​

Community Benefits of the PPsyA Program: Wouldn’t it be nice if, instead of confrontation with teenagers, colleagues, or patients, we engaged with calm, resilience, and positivity? Learning how to increase our “upward spirals” and working from a position of strength – tools of the Positive Psychology Ambassador – can help to turn our conversations into fun and meaningful interactions. In addition, practicing gratitude (another tool of the PPsyA) can help to strengthen social bonds by being kind and helpful.

​

Wouldn’t it also be great if our teams or students were sick less often, paid more attention in class, and were more engaged in the learning materials? Positivity confers great health benefits, including less colds and flu’s, and even less chronic disease like heart disease. 

Moreover, students who are introduced to positive psychology tools receive better grades and are able to handle setbacks in school (and life) more easily. 

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AMBASSADOR TRAINING PROGRAM