A Ripple Story…

Priya Shah

Finance and Operations Manager

Priya is a passionate professional who uses Positive Psychology to build resilience, foster meaningful connections, and create positive ripples in both her work and personal life.

Perth, South Australia

Alumni:

🎓 Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

What drew you to study the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

"I had never come across a course that was so engaging for me."

Frankly, I was not looking to study when I discovered that there is such a Diploma. I was chairing at CPA Week, and one of the sessions was about resilience. I loved the session, especially the savouring activity, and the presenter mentioned the Diploma at the end of the session and invited us to look at some books relating to positive psychology at the back of the room. I am a social person and love finding out about people and their experiences, etc. Later, I searched online and read about the Diploma and what was involved, and I signed up to start in August.

I was drawn to it because it was all about us (people) and how we can achieve a positive outlook through many interventions, tools and techniques. As I worked on my assessments, I never felt that I wanted to procrastinate on my readings or completing my assessments. I found out a lot about myself in the activities in class and through my readings. The best self-exercise was such an eye-opener. I wanted to gain all the knowledge that was in the workbook, and that was one reason I completed the Diploma.

 

How was your experience studying this course?

"It was phenomenal learning things about relationships, emotions, goals, engagement and meaning, and the mindfulness practices were a plus."

I enjoyed the six-day immersion course. It was all new to me. I would look forward to the class every day. The other students were from all walks of life (professionals to new mums), and the teacher was amazing and taught us well. The Diploma has given me insight into my emotions and perception. I knew my thoughts and feelings before; however, the Diploma has given a name to them. It feels so good to have a name for these emotions and experiences.

The Strengths Profile results were so true that it was incredible. I realised what I had to work on and what was draining me. I would give the experience 100% positivity. The six-day immersion course was a breeze as we started and ended the day with a mindfulness practice. The meaning-making activity of building a mechanical hand was very satisfying when we had completed it and knew that someone would benefit from it. The Random Acts of Kindness exercise made me aware that people are quite sensitive and do not accept kindness, as they think others have an agenda. It is a hard thing to sell in this day and age. Hopefully, the positivity spells hit everyone at some point in their life, and acceptance of acts of altruism becomes easy.

 

How has the Diploma helped you spread positive ripples in your world?

"I feel proud that I was part of such a team and influenced them in a way that shaped their future better. The Diploma has also given me confidence to start new things and approach them in a positive way despite setbacks."

As soon as I finished my Diploma, I wanted to share my knowledge. I was lucky to provide some workshops to team members at work about building resilience. Even if the attendees had three key takeaways, they were winners for being proactive in the workshop. The Diploma has made me a better person for sure. I have channelled my energy into having a positive perspective with everyone, and the thought that with positivity, any mishap will pass. Being positive makes us more outgoing, creative, and curious, and this is a benefit as we come to find out about many things and people that we would not otherwise know.

I have started a blog and am sharing my knowledge gained from the Diploma. The intervention techniques I learnt in the Diploma have definitely helped me in accepting my redundancy, and I can confidently say that I have passed on some positivity to my team members, as they were always positive, especially at the transition stage. This was a tangible achievement for me, as all of us were commended for the professionalism of our reaction to the redundancy. Everyone has moved on, and I am keeping in touch to see how they are faring.

I have also worked on positivity in my family and spending quality time with them. With my family and friends, the ripples are influence-based rather than being seen by all. I feel that everyone has positivity in them; it is the drawing out that takes time for some.

The Diploma has been an awesome experience. I did not at any time feel that I did not want to complete my assignments. I was eager to read more all the time. The Diploma has given me inner strength as I came to know myself and learn to perceive others, confidence from the knowledge I have gained, understanding of others through my assessments and fulfilment through the activities. These are just a few positive ripples gained from this course.

Inspired by Priya's ripple story?

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