We were honored to have Kristen participate in CAPP 3 in New York, NY and then assisted the inaugural CAPP Philadelphia cohort in the spring of 2015. She remains involved in the local Philadelphia CAPP community.
What brought you to study positive psychology?
At my former organization, I was encouraged to create a corporate training to help promote career development of our employees. I thought about what I was passionate about and realized that my deepest passions lie in the fact that true freedom, success and happiness comes from the thoughts that we choose to think. One thing led to another and I was introduced to CAPP. When I read the syllabus, I literally screamed out loud and said “THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALL OF MY LIFE!!” THIS is the scientific proof and practical ways in which we can change our thoughts to support our success, happiness and well-being. Finding positive psychology and CAPP was literally the beginning of the rest of my life.
How are you applying positive psychology at work and at home?
Positive psychology is not just something I study, but it is a way of life for me. How I show up in the world as well as how I interact my daughter, family, friends and colleagues. I utilize it from the moment I start my day and look at the chalk board in my bedroom marked with a positive affirmation. I use it while giving my daughter the space to be herself and savor the moments that I have with her. I practice it when I learn to love my body because if I want my daughter to, then I have to make sure that I have it/do it myself. I will be utilizing it at work when I deliver unconscious bias trainings to new hires for diversity and inclusion and also, our future initiatives around strengths and purpose.
What gives you a sense of meaning & purpose?
My daughter of course (who was in utero during my CAPP experience), and sharing universal love. After going through a passion profile consultation, I was given three archetypes of how I show up in the workplace based on my purpose and passion. Here are some key words which give me a sense of meaning on a daily basis: being a change-agent, an alchemist, embracing possibilities for improvement in myself, others and my organization; being a teacher creating the foundation of institutional wisdom while passionately exploring new information and new ways of viewing the world; being a healer who passionately seeks the source of turmoil to create peace, apply salve to open wounds, and mend broken relationships or broken spirits.
What’s your favorite “happiness” intervention?
I honestly don’t know if I can come up with just one!! Practicing gratitude is one of my fave’s though.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am eternally grateful for CAPP, positive psychology and the tribe of wonderful people it has brought into my life. It has been a deep transformation for me and taken me so much closer to embracing my true power and purpose here.
<Student Spotlight contributed by Karla Chin, CAPP>
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