The World Book of Happiness is a collection of short essays which combines the wisdom of 100 happiness experts from 50 countries. The books will wing their way to President Obama in the White House, British PM David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicholas Sarkozy and our own Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Dealing as they are with such weighty financial issues at present, it may be a very welcome gift indeed. The benefits of positive psychology have long been known.

It’s said that in a letter accompanying the gifts, Mr. Van Rompuy is urging them to make people’s happiness and wellbeing their political priority for the year ahead. Saying that positive thinking is no longer for “dreamers and the perpetually naive” he points out that people who think positively see more opportunities, perform better, make more correct and sound decisions, have more self-confidence, maintain better relations and more trust is placed in them. For such a solemn man, he’s effusive on the subject. “Positively inclined people see everything in their right proportions. They put things into perspective and are not envious of others. They attach importance to those things that give meaning to daily life, but they tend to focus more on others than themselves.”

Research on the subject shows that he is right and it would be good if the gift recipients take on board the message the European Council President wants them to. At present we’re getting a lot of pessimism from our leaders and pessimism is a self-fulfilling prophecy. We need our politicians to be optimistic in their leadership, bolstering people’s confidence and leading by positive example.

Happy Christmas to one and all!

The word ‘resilience’ means literally to bounce back or rebound from adversity. It’s the process of adapting well in the face of significant sources of stress such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. Resilience isn’t about extraordinary people achieving extraordinary things, but about developing a store of strength that we can call on when we need to.

Nor is resilience a one-sided concept. More recently research has shown than as well as helping us to ‘bounce back’ from difficulty and adversity, it can help us to ‘bounce forward’ – to seize new opportunities and seek out new experiences. It allows us to open up to life’s possibilities and opportunities, to take risks and respond in ways that broaden and enrich our lives. Resilience can be best described as a mindset, an optimistic and open orientation to the world that enables us to view our lives as a work in progress. Being able to see beyond the limits of here and now, to expand our horizons is an enriching experience which will help us create connections with people, try new experiences, bringing purpose and new meaning to our lives. Fundamental to the dimensions of resilience are optimism and hope.

Resilience in our young people can be built by helping them think clearly about their strengths and weaknesses. By teaching them the value of good relationships with others. Making them feel appreciated for their individual strengths and gifts. Increasing hope by helping them set realistic goals and having realistic expectations. Teaching them how to cope with difficulties and feel supported and helping to support others. Too often we try to shield our children from life’s difficulties. In doing so we’re doing them a disservice. Instead we can encourage them to take responsibility, giving them the confidence to take up new opportunities and help them to take a positive outlook if they don’t succeed. Discourage them from having a sense of entitlement but rather instil in them the idea that they have to work and contribute and that their contribution has value. By doing this and encouraging them to support and look out for one another and others who are more vulnerable we impart this wonderful gift to children that we call resilience.

As well as showcasing our range of quality online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and University validated Diploma Programmes at our stand there, our two Directors and Clinical Psychologists, Drs. Deirdre MacIntyre and Moya O’ Brien were invited to speak. They hosted a workshop on the subject of problem behaviour in schools and a session on the principles of positive psychology and its implications for the classroom. Both enjoyed full attendance and resulted in many subsequent enquiries on the courses we offer in these subjects.