a tickle of words to create smiles

Posts tagged ‘Psychology’

Grateful for Color (TY-2)

ako-oct16-2013-color

I am deeply grateful for color and the joy it has brought into my life starting with the first time I experienced sight and seeing my beautiful mother, my first toys, my indoor surroundings and then all the splendors of nature outdoors. I profoundly appreciate color. It delights me as I generously use it in all my artwork. I LOVE color!

Color plays a subtle yet significant role in our lives as it lends itself to how we view the world. Color, of course, would not be visible if it was not for light; so, I am equally grateful to light and its role in color (as well as our eyes…but I will save that for another blog). Color not only adds aesthetics but it also helps us to distinguish things.

A world without color would be bland as we would experience shades of gray with only light and contrast to help us differentiate things. Maybe some of you remember watching programs and movies on the now antiquated black and white television set; then later, television tubes were developed so they could transmit color. It was a marvelous transformation.

Color can also ignite our imagination, as well as, affect our emotions: reds and oranges energize us and blues and greens calm us. Color transforms our world and our lives in so many ways and on so many levels. I deeply appreciate all the color in my life. Thank you, color, for being so full and vivid and a part of the human experience.

 

Related articles

 

Category:

Appreciation, Imagination/Creativity, Inspiration, Joy, Life, Nature, Relationships

Tagged with:

Courage and Creativity

AKO-Courage-Fearless

Good things come to those who believe. Better things come to those who wait, and the best things come to those who  “DON’T GIVE UP”.

“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day that says…I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

This is the LAST MONDAY of the month of JANUARY, 2013! This year, I promised myself to embrace being FEARLESS in all my pursuits! That is my word of the year. In reflection, this month has been AMAZING and WONDERFUL. I am creating so many wonderful opportunities in my life simply by acting on my ideas and pursuing them instead of fearing the what if “negative things happen”.

It just occurred to me, we need to be true to our ideas and our purpose. We are like any celestial body in the Universe, for example, our sun, which continues to serve its purpose, to shine. The sun does not worry if it will be too hot or not burn through the clouds; it simply continues to be true to itself and radiates its energy into our atmosphere as well as across the Universe.

Dan Zadra says that worry is a misuse of imagination. I feel that worry is in fact a perverse use of our imagination and creative energy. Creativity can be a very liberating experience when utilized in a positive way. Imagination can fuel our dreams and inspire us. Natalie Rogers stated, “Creativity is like freedom: once you taste it, you cannot live without it. It is a transformative force, enhancing self-esteem and self-empowerment.”

Courage and fearlessness is about showing up each day and facing your responsibilities, embracing life and seizing the moments. It is also about giving yourself permission to be you and delight in who you are! Each of us is a valuable and intricate part of the Universal tapestry, where each fiber adds strength, beauty and purpose. So, it is important for each of us to believe, be patient and to always try again! Don’t give up!

Also, I want to take this time and FEARLESSLY acknowledge and share my deepest appreciation and love for all my friends and family on-line, face-to-face and in the Universe. Without the connection, your encouragement, your positive energy, your love, your kindness, your everything….I would simply be a hollow shell. YOU….ALL OF YOU….FILL my HEART and SPIRIT!!! YOU CONTRIBUTE TO MY PURPOSE. ♥ I LOVE YOU! ♥

Now, is this not a lovely way to end January and move into February, the month of Love. February is going to be a FUN-nominal month for me. Starting February 1, my artwork will be featured and displayed in my city public library. I have at least 16 acrylic paintings (20 x 16) being showcased. I will share pictures this weekend. I am also doing live video-conferencing every Sunday (6 p.m. Eastern Time) in February sharing fun, creativity techniques, such as I used in the artwork in this blog. You are welcome to join in this gathering: http://www.linqto.com/rooms/docangi. I will also be offering private on-line programs. Check my website for the latest: www.heartsthatcare.net

Related articles

Category:

Appreciation, Imagination/Creativity, Inspiration, Intention, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

Is Yours Worth Catching?

Nothing invites more positive attention than a great attitude along with a captivating smile! ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

Attitudes are truly contagious. I make an effort to keep my attitude positive especially in the face of negativity, challenges and emotional vampires (people who literally exhaust you emotionally). When I continue to share love and kindness in all my actions with no expectation of anything in return, I ultimately feel better. My energy level is higher.

Have you seen this in your own experiences? Go into any situation with a positive attitude and you will feel great afterward. It is a double blessing when you receive a winning outcome, especially if the others involved come out of it with a positive attitude. This builds positive relationships with people.

On the flip side, when you go into a situation with anger or another negative attitude, most likely you will infect others. They will be negative right back at you. That would benefit no one! Nothing invites more positive attention than a great attitude. Awareness is key; keep your attitude in check. Remember, attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

Related articles

Category:

Inspiration, Intention, Joy, Life, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

People are Mirrors (Dr. Angi’s Law #10)

DR. ANGI’S LAW #10

 

People are mirrors; they reflect what you give! ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

This law almost always holds true for me especially when I give positive energy, love and kindness. If you think about all your experiences both positive and negative, you will see it is often true for you, too. When you are happy, others are happy. When you are upset, others become upset. When you are enthusiastic, others are enthusiastic.

When you go into a situation where others are in a different emotional state than you, keep in mind that you may also be influenced and reflect back to them what they gave you. This is fine and well, if it is a positive emotional state; but if it is negative, you still have a choice. You can choose to parrot them or you can choose to be positive. Choosing love, joy and kindness takes practice. It will not always be easy, but it is not impossible. Remember, what you give is what you will receive!

Related articles

Category:

Inspiration, Intention, Joy, Life, Psychology

Tagged with:

Creativity

Creativity is what you make of it; everyone is creative, as each of us are capable of making things. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

‎Why is it that many equate creativity with being able to paint, draw and the like? Creativity is really about being able to visualize beyond the norm. Creative people do not see obstacles or problems; instead, they see solvable challenges. Many may even get a charge out of it. They thrive when faced with a challenge because it provides an opportunity to try something new and to experiment.

Creativity is looking at things upside down instead of right-side up. Creativity is using different tools and materials in a new way to achieve different effects. Creativity is seeking tools and/or materials when others do not work or are unavailable. For example, suppose you ran out of dish soap. Creative people would find seek alternatives such as a bar of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, lemon juice, vinegar, etc.

Creative people are often: inventive, inquisitive, optimistic, enthusiastic, energetic, determined and open to possibilities. They are not attached to one idea. They are comfortable with surprises. In fact, many creative people get excited with unexpected outcomes.

Children are naturally creative. They are open to try new things and experiment. Unfortunately, too many adults teach children that there is only one way to do various things “right”. They give them rules, procedures and routines to the point where these children lose sight of their creative nature. They succumb to only doing things one way because they want to please and be loved.

Too much television watching and video game playing also zap creativity out of humanity. Sometimes it seems that the days where we used our imagination are gone. We have grown dependent on doing things only one way; but, it is not too late to develop our creativity. We only need to challenge ourselves with little problems.

Playing the “what if” game is a good way to enhance our creativity. Again, children are great at doing this. Remember all the “what if” questions you used to ask or your children asked you? What if don’t have this, that or the other? What if it rains? What if the store is closed? What if they aren’t home? What if everything were the color purple? What if there were no spoons? You can go on and on.

Another great activity to do is to invent new purposes for various items like a paper clip, a sponge or whatever. What are other uses for a towel, a hair brush, a toothbrush, an old car tire, etc? This can be quite fun to do and a great way to develop and expand your creativity. Can you think of some other ways to develop your creative ability? I can. And so can you!

Related articles

Category:

Education, Imagination/Creativity, Inspiration, Intention, Psychology

Tagged with:

Which One?

What expression do you identify more with: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”; or, “only fools rush in?” Are you one that looks before you leap, or do you feel those who hesitate is lost? Do you plan for the future or do you live for today? Do you feel too many cooks spoil the broth? Or, do you feel many hands make light work?

There are many conflicting sayings and expressions that many identify with depending on the circumstances. It truly depends on the situation for most. Sometimes I feel I should take the risk and venture into certain things; other times I feel it would be foolish to rush into it. Sometimes I prefer teamwork, especially during projects that need input, brainstorming and creativity flow; and, other times, I prefer to work independently especially when I have a deadline to meet and time becomes a factor.

With all the social styles and personality generalities that are out there, most of us are a blending of them. By taking the time to ask yourself why you feel or act a certain way will give you an insight and new perspective into yourself. How do you check-in with yourself? How do you weigh your choices? Or, do you simply act now and ask questions later? Does it depend on the situation? Do you act differently at work than at a social gathering? Food for thought, maybe? I invite you to be patient with yourself and with others as each of us value things differently and it will vary from one situation to another.

Related articles

Category:

Inspiration, Intention, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

Identifying Social Styles of Others

Each social style expresses distinct behaviors that can be easily identified. Common behaviors of each social style will be listed below. Use these lists to guide you in identifying the social styles of others in your life. You will see overlapping behaviors as these behaviors are not necessarily unique to just one social style. (Note: This is based on the book “How to Deal with Annoying People” by Bob Phillips and Kimberly Alyn).

Alphas (Thinkers):

  • Think before they speak
  • Talk softly and slowly
  • Eat slowly
  • Perform tasks with reflection or careful consideration
  • Follow instructions
  • Thrive on facts
  • Enjoy details
  • Display good manners
  • Dress conservatively
  • Are on time or early
  • Do not display emotion
  • Make mindful decisions
  • Are private
  • Can be overly critical
  • Stay extremely focused
  • Want things done correctly the first time
  • Stay organized
  • Examine all possible alternatives
  • Play the devil’s advocate
  • Are “letter of the law” people
  • Can be rigid, inflexible or stubborn
  • Are very responsible
  • Like planning
  • Can be nagging
  • Can be narrow-minded

Betas (Doers):

  • Speak before they think
  • Talk quickly and boldly
  • Eat quickly
  • Can perform many tasks at once
  • Can be insensitive
  • Make direct eye contact
  • Dislike details
  • Tend to intimidate people
  • Are on time or early
  • Do not display emotion
  • Make quick decisions
  • Like to lead
  • Can overpower people
  • Are fearless
  • Do not like chitchat
  • Possess high energy
  • Dress powerfully
  • Are opinionated
  • Can be stubborn or obstinate
  • Face conflict head-on
  • Are impatient
  • Despise excuses
  • Can be intolerant
  • Appear arrogant
  • Very assertive; can be belligerent
  • Show great initiative
  • Very confident
  • Have tremendous willpower
  • Work at top speed
  • Sarcastic

Gammas (Sociables):

  • Speak with a friendly tone
  • Talk softly and slowly
  • Are great listeners
  • Like to please people
  • Prefer to follow
  • Like to volunteer
  • Dislike conflict
  • Are very courteous
  • Avoid decisions
  • Seek approval
  • Are very humble
  • Possess extreme patience
  • Avoid attention
  • Encourage people
  • Are generous and giving
  • Can make excuses
  • Are very cooperative
  • Do not like criticism
  • Are very likeable
  • Can be insecure
  • Can be overly dependent
  • Move slowly (on things)
  • Can be overly sensitive
  • Are not assertive
  • Display loyalty
  • Are diplomatic
  • Value cooperation
  • Put people before tasks
  • Show compassion
  • Tend to procrastinate

Deltas (Thespians):

  • Speak before they think
  • Talk quickly and loudly
  • Eat quickly
  • Are visionaries (dreamers)
  • Adapt to anything
  • Are overly relaxed about time
  • Can be undisciplined
  • Are big risk-takers
  • Have a hard time following through
  • Dress uniquely
  • Have short attention spans
  • Unpredictable
  • Love spontaneity
  • Are very enthusiastic
  • Highly energetic
  • Love to talk
  • Dismiss what other people think
  • Tell it like it is
  • Dislike details
  • Like to socialize
  • Are creative and imaginative
  • Are outspoken and outgoing
  • Can be rebellious
  • Motivate and inspire people
  • Possess flexibility
  • Prone to exaggeration
  • Lack focus
  • Have a great sense of humor
  • Dislike rules
Related articles

Category:

Education, Intention, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

The Positives and Negatives of Social Styles

Before looking at the pros/positives and cons/negatives of each social personality styles that are here,  let it be said that these social styles are generalizations of how one MIGHT act or be in CERTAIN situations . It is NOT how one would ALWAYS act. People have the power of choice on how they wish to be and act.

Each social style has attractive qualities, as well as, dark qualities. For example, a knowledgeable person can come across as being a know-it-all. Be aware that everyone has their positives and negatives. Often these traits balance out; and, understanding both sides of these social styles assists a person to acquire an appreciation for all people.

Alpha

Positives: knowledgeable, intellectual, industrious, gifted, deep thinker, inquisitive, analytical, competent, highly observant,  conscientious, great with words, gives sincere praise, innovative, inventive, loyal, aesthetic, visionary, idealistic, orderly, self-disciplined, rational, attentive to detail, hard-working, conceptual, determined, deliberate, independent, expedient, private, fascinating

Negatives: unemotional, critical, unrealistic, arrogant, sarcastic, egocentric, indecisive, legalistic, picky, unsociable, too abstract, skeptical, stubborn, workaholic, perfectionist, uncooperative, show-off, impatient, caustic, eccentric

Beta

Positives: efficient, self-confident, decisive, stable, practical, realistic, responsible, dependable, conservative, linear thinker, prepared, loyal,  honest, respectful, productive, organized, thorough, consistent, traditional,  punctual, sees big picture, leader, courageous, active, optimistic, strong-willed,  independent, focused, proactive

Negatives:  pushy, bossy, insensitive, inconsiderate, domineering, resentful, opinionated, harsh, proud, tough, hostile, inflexible, unimaginative, controlling, overly predictable, close-mindedness, rigid, hurried, prickly, stubborn, impatient

Gamma

Positives: diplomatic, willing, agreeable, easy-going, likable, respectful, reluctant leader, compassionate, concerned, imaginative, supportive, optimistic, patient, level-headed, calm, friendly, mediator, great communicator, intuitive, genuine, good listener, good counselor, enthusiastic, passionate (about causes), flexible, peacemaker

Negatives: co-dependent, smothering, martyr, unrealistic, lenient, self-doubting, indecisive, awkward, avoids conflict, emotional, easily hurt, busy-body, giving too much advice, withdrawn, fearful, too idealistic, overly involved, nosy, conforming, unsure

Delta

Positives: outgoing, ambitious, charismatic, friendly, stimulating, responsive, conversationalist, enthusiastic, carefree, compassionate, dramatic, generous, good sense of  humor, calm in chaos, spontaneous, quick thinker, creative, flexible, direct, stylish, motivating, fun, resourceful, great performer, confident, convincing

Negatives: restless, impulsive, manipulative, ignores rules, disorganized, insecure, unproductive, unrealistic, unpredictable, weak-willed, excitable, undisciplined, obnoxious, loud, reactive, exaggerates, egotistical, overly risky, flamboyant, unreliable

Related articles

Category:

Education, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

What’s Your Social Style?

In ANNOYANCE, 4 social styles/personality groups were discussed: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. One might be able to discern which group he or she may be in; however; today’s readers are provided with an accurate assessment in which they can take to determine their social style. (Assessment © Angela Kowitz Orobko, Ed. D; personality information © Bob Phillips, Kimberly Alyn, and Mary Miscisin)

Rank each group of 4 words/traits as:
1 (not really me); 2 (a bit like me); 3 (almost me); 4 (mostly me).
(If you cannot decide between 2, rank them the same.)

A deep, thoughtful, serious, purposeful
B born leader
C charismatic, storyteller
D patient and well-balanced

E life of the party
F calm, cool, and collected
G dynamic and active
H pays attention to detail

I mediates problems
J sees the problem/challenge
K need for change
L creative and colorful

M volunteers for jobs
N delegates work
O self-sacrificing
P avoids conflict

Q loves people
R gets along with people
S has little need for friends
T seeks friends cautiously

U orderly and organized
V good listener
W structured, sensible, efficient
X enthusiastic, expressive

Y conscientious
Z thinks up new activities
A1 easygoing and relaxed
B1 independent and self-sufficient

C1 sees whole picture
D1 lives in the present
E1 visionary
F1 finds easy way out

G1 moves quickly into action
H1 analytical, research-oriented
I1 not in a hurry
J1 turns disaster into humor

K1 inquisitive
L1 cheerful and bubbly
M1 stimulates activity
N1 good under pressure

O1 spontaneous, impulsive, flexible
P1 goal-oriented
Q1 schedule-oriented
R1 authentic, harmonious, compassionate

S1 Entertaining, adventurous, risk-taking
T1 appreciates beauty
U1 sensitive, nurturing, intuitive
V1 must correct wrongs

W1 kind, pleasant, optimistic
X1 sincere heart
Y1 decisive
Z1 inventive

A2 changeable disposition
B2 protective, mentoring, supportive
C2 strong-willed
D2 faithful and devoted

E2 sensitive to other people
F2 unemotional
G2 has administrative ability
H2 Eager and adaptable

I2 does not hold grudges
J2 exudes confidence
K2 perfectionist
L2 competent, consistent, steady

M2 enjoys watching people
N2 philosophical and poetic
O2 can run anything
P2 good sense of humor

Q2 practical, economical
R2 sympathetic and kind
S2 good on stage
T2 artistic or musical

U2 inspires others to join
V2 seeks practical solutions
W2 can take the good with the bad
X2 idealistic

Y2 establishes goals
Z2 peaceful and agreeable
A3 finds creative solutions
B3 charms people to work

Total each social style using the formulas below:

ALPHA = A+H+J+O+T+U+Y+E1+H1+K1+
Q1+T1+Z1+D2+E2+K2+N2+T2+X2+A3

BETA = B+G+K+N+S+W+B1+C1+G1+M1+
P1+V1+Y1+C2+F2+J2+O2+Q2+V2+Y2

GAMMA = D+F+I+P+R+V+A1+F1+I1+N1+
R1+U1+W1+B2+G2+L2+M2+R2+W2+Z2

DELTA = C+E+L+M+Q+X+Z+D1+J1+L1+
O1+S1+X1+A2+H2+I2+P2+S2+U2+B3

The group with the highest score is dominant social style (which will be 50-80). Tomorrow, the pros/positives and cons/negatives of each social style will be discussed.

These social personality traits are ultimately based on Myers-Briggs and Carl Jung Typology. The scope of this article will not go into the scholarly detail of it, only the practicality. When we have a general sense of the social personalities of others, then we can use this knowledge to create amicable relations at work, with family or with friends.

Feel free to share your results and thoughts in the comments.

Related articles

Category:

Education, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

Character Matters

Personality is and does something…It is what lies behind specific acts and within the individual. ~Gordon Allport

A person’s personality is characterized by what specific acts a person is comfortable doing. It is who he or she is. Should one be conscientious of his or her actions? Only that individual can answer that question.

Actions that promote love and compassion in the world will be more welcomed than those acts that do not.  However, each person needs to be true to their own heart and do what feels genuine. That being said, positive energy breeds more positive energy. Love and kindness create more love and kindness. (Negative emotion and energy will also create more negative emotion and energy). Generally, what people put out in the world, they will in return experience.

If people put out love and joy, then love and joy will echo back to them. I invite you to try it; but, do so because you want to do so. Sincerity is key.

Category:

Education, Inspiration, Intention, Psychology, Relationships

Tagged with:

%d bloggers like this: