by Kim Childs, CPPC A few days ago I showed up to teach a chair yoga class at an assisted living facility, where employees were decking the halls and putting out poinsettias. "What's your favorite thing about the holidays?" I chirped to the women who'd gathered for class. "When they're over," said Marge, a normally polite and well-dressed octogenarian. I was not expecting that answer. With some gentle probing, Marge revealed that this was the first Christmas she'd be spending…
[caption id="attachment_1006" align="alignright" width="173"] Mr. Negativity, in the flesh[/caption] by Kim Childs, CPPC Sometimes, when people hear that I'm a Positive Psychology Coach, they mistakenly assume that I'm only about positive thinking and denying "reality" (quotes added because reality is multidimensional, but more about that later...). Positive Psychology does recommend that we notice, cultivate and savor the good in our lives, but it also acknowledges that life is full of loss, pain, illness, disappointment and setbacks. While feeling and acknowledging…
by Kim Childs, CPPC Several years ago, I was invited to be a writer and facilitator on a wonderful project. On the morning it began, I found myself dawdling on my way out the door for the 9am meeting. Once in the car, I encountered rush hour traffic and arrived 15 minutes late. The other staff members, who’d traveled hundreds of miles to be there, were on time and waiting for me...the person who lived two miles away. It was…
by Kim Childs, CPPC It’s been a rough year on the planet, with headline news that’s alternately heartbreaking and horrifying. In addition, so many people I know are losing loved ones or facing serious health issues, and I’m hearing cries of overwhelm amid the relentless buzz of modern life. [caption id="attachment_927" align="alignright" width="167"] My rose ring of self-love[/caption] Whether or not you’re feeling the strain, I recommend that you be extra kind to yourself these days. In fact, I recommend…
by Kim Childs, CPPC One morning as this year’s interminable winter gave way to spring, I took myself out for a walk. Strolling though my favorite park, I was arrested by the sight of a shining silver birch that was beginning to sprout some green. An exuberant “Hi!” escaped my lips and I looked around, wondering if anyone had heard me talking to the tree. Not that I could have stopped myself. Because trees and I, well, we go way…
by Kim Childs, CPPC Twenty five years ago, I was driving along the highways of New Mexico with some books on tape to keep me company. The most memorable of these was Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, a self-help classic by the late Susan Jeffers. In addition to offering good ideas about overcoming fear, Jeffers suggests that we take time each night to write down 50 things for which we're grateful. “Did she say 50?!” I exclaimed, rewinding…
by Kim Childs, CPPC Last month as I watched my students in The Artist’s Way bonding with each other, I grew aware of some jealousy bubbling up in me. It made me realize that, since becoming a workshop facilitator, I’d spent more time creating support circles than cultivating my own. In the last year, I'd also let my social life get a bit too “virtual” as I single-mindedly focused on becoming a certified coach and building a new business. While…
by Kim Childs, CPPC Heard the one about the Chinese farmer? According to the Taoist story, he had a horse that ran away, prompting his neighbors to remark, “Oh, that’s bad news.” “Good news, bad news, who can say?” the farmer replied. Soon after, his horse returned with a second horse, which many labeled a stroke of luck. The farmer again withheld judgment and gave the second horse to his son—who broke his leg when the animal threw him off.…
by Kim Childs, CPPC While I’ve always heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I rarely wake up with an appetite. What I do hunger for each morning is connection to what’s personally meaningful before I dive into my to do list. I wasn't always this intentional. Twenty years ago I started my day with resentment, a pot of coffee and National Public Radio before running out to catch the train to work. I was informed…
by Kim Childs, CPPC Once, when asked to name my religion in an online dating profile, I wrote “Kindness.” While it sounded kind of flirty at the time, it’s still what I truly believe in and practice as often as I can. Kindness touches the soul, transcends language, and connects people on a primal level. Growing up in a Catholic family, I heard a lot about the Golden Rule—treating others as we’d have them treat us. And who doesn’t want to…