Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine (sm)

"Positive Psychology to the Rescue..." (sm)
October 2006

Published by Maurine D. Patten, Ed.D., CMC
Founder & CEO, Patten Coaching & Consulting
www.pattencoaching.com

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In This Issue:

1. Preview

2. 7 Characteristics of Vitality for Living

3. Getting into Action

4. Looking Ahead

1. Preview

Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine explores how to progress rapidly from dreams to action.  It is a free monthly email newsletter written by Maurine Patten, life/business coach and clinical psychologist.

Using Positive Psychology, topics are presented from the perspective of Maurine Patten and are provided to help you get the results you want.  It will help you manage change, improve your Emotional Intelligence and make better decisions with less effort. 

I live in an area of the country that has four seasons.  In the fall, the daylight hours gradually shorten over the next couple of months.  The hummingbirds we have fed all summer left our area this week.  There are outdoor tasks to be done to get ready for winter. 

In some of my clients, I hear a loss of energy compared to spring and summer.  During this time, many things are beginning to grow, signs of life seem to be everywhere, and energy levels are high.

Fall seems to be a good time to focus on the characteristics of the Signature Strength of Vitality (zest, energy, enthusiam) and how to enhance it.

On a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high), what number would you give yourself for Vitality?  What number would you like it to be?

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2. 7 Characteristics of Vitality for Living

Vitality has to do with our feeling of energy or aliveness.  It tends to be contagious in group settings.  In Positive Psychology, it is one of the five (out of 24) Signature Strengths that correlates strongly with satisfaction with life, happiness, and well-being.  Therefore, it is important to know how to improve our level of vitality.

We feel energetic when we have good physical health and when there are few psychological conflicts and tensions in our life.  In general, poor physical health and high levels of stress tend to use up our energy supply quickly.  There are some exceptions to this.  Individuals who have no fear about their health problem will often still have high levels of energy.  It is important to decrease fear and anxiety for vitality to be present.

Vitality is personal; we pursue it differently.  When you express your true nature genuinely, positively, and in the present, you feel energized. 

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3. Getting into Action

Vitality indicates optimal human functioning.  It is directly influenced by meeting basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.  It is not impulsiveness, anger, or nervous, tense energy from over-arousal or caffeine.  Factors that contribute to higher levels of vitality/aliveness are:

  • Having a sense of personal mastery and control.
  • Having low depression and anxiety symptoms.
  • Being happy.
  • Having good health practices, i.e. diet, exercise, not smoking, using stress reduction techniques appropriately.
  • Getting a good night's sleep.
  • Having a sense of personal worth; seeing yourself as worthwhile and capable.
  • Enjoying supportive relationships and intimacy.
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4. Looking Ahead

Ways of increasing vitality are to seek out:

  • Restorative settings, i.e. contact with nature and the arts, listening to music, outdoor challenges.
  • Exercise when it is interesting or fun, especially in the morning.
  • Positive social contacts.
  • Sporting events.
  • Things you want to do not because you have to do them.
  • Being more involved in an organization that is meaningful to you.
  • Your passion - what you love to do.
Having vitality is feeling that spark inside of you in the moment.  It is choosing to live life with enthusiasm, savoring and enjoying it.  It means choosing to live fully and positively.

Whatever strategy you choose will work as long as you are expressing your true nature genuinely in the present moment.  The health benefits physically and psychologically are an added plus. 

Let me help you make vitality a priority.  I look forward to hearing from you, mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com.


Maurine Patten
mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com

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Contact Information

Patten Coaching & Consulting

Voice: 630-584-8936
Fax: 630-584-8868
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E-Mail: mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com
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Mission

Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine is dedicated to inspiring and expanding your perspective in order for you to move forward in your personal and professional life.

Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine is a publication of Patten Coaching & Consulting; CEO, Maurine D. Patten, Ed.D., CMC; mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com

We would like Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine to be as interactive as possible. If you have feedback, comments, topics you would like addressed, or can suggest additional resources to benefit us all, please email us at any time. Send your e-mail to ezinefeedback@pattencoaching.com.

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Archives

You can read previous issues of Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine in our archives on our archives page.

About Maurine D. Patten, Ed.D., CMC

Maurine Patten is a clinical psychologist  and certified life/business coach.  Her professional career includes: independent business owner (25 years), Assistant Professor at Chicago State University, and consultant for education and business. She is a graduate of the MentorCoach program and a member of the International Coach Federation. She is experienced in training and management development for large national and international firms. She has a strong background in working with individuals and couples on clarifying and achieving goals.

Dr. Patten has training in coaching, cognitive and family therapy and health psychology. She has published articles, made presentations, and conducted workshops about:
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Creating a Fulfilling Retirement
  • Anxiety and Achievement
  • Stress Management
  • Setting and Achieving Goals
  • Self-Esteem
  • Communication Skills
  • Marital/relationship Enrichment
  • Wellness Issues
 

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