A Ripple Story…

Lynne Dorling
Coach, Women Working Together
Alumni: London 2016
In our 11069NAT Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing we always talk about the ripple effect; starting with self and creating a ripple out there in the world - whatever that may mean for each person.
In this interview, one of our Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing graduate shares her completely life-changing experience of the course, and how it set her up to spread ripples in a number of areas of her life.
What drew you to complete the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?
I had been interested in Positive Psychology since my daughter bought me a copy of Flourish by Martin Seligman. We then attended a Masterclass in Bristol, having decided that our Training Budget wouldn’t stretch to travelling to Australia as we thought the Langley Group DPP was by far the best around! When I learned that Sue Langley was running a UK Programme, I took this as a sign that I should go! I was keen to gain a qualification of some kind – having supported twin daughters through university and run my own business training other people I felt it was my turn!
In my 60’s, I wanted to prepare for my Third Age, and whilst I was clear that I wanted to downsize or delegate some of my work, I wasn’t sure what would replace it. My goals were to recharge my batteries, meet new people, ‘stretch myself’ and learn some new things and consider how I might use my strengths, knowledge and experience to ‘make a difference’ and give back.
What was your experience during the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?
Just like the ripples on a pond
Sue Langley waved her magic wand
Amongst our group from far and wide
And what a week – we laughed and cried!
The history of Psychology
Was on Day One – no time for tea
We got to know each other well
Sue’s style was far from ‘teach and tell’
The second day was packed indeed
Of our emotions we took heed
Made quite ok to feel the range
It’s ‘just some data’ – nothing strange!
Engagement kept us occupied
There really was no place to hide
What lights our eyes up, makes us tick?
It suddenly began to click
Day Four affected all of us,
At first we kicked up quite a fuss
But once we saw a chance to work
With Helping Hands we didn’t shirk
Relationships are often tricky
With little things we can be picky
So on our Wheel we gave a score
And came out vowing to do more
The final day we set our goals
And closed our eyes to search our souls,
This learning had flicked on a switch
Inside we felt so full and rich
And since that week when first we met
A new direction I’ve been set
By taking heed of Realise 2 –
Released things I don’t want to do
A rush of energy’s come back
No time to focus on the lack
Of one or two strengths now I know
What keeps me in a state of ‘flow’
So as a coach I now transform
Those who are low and feel forlorn
Instil them with more confidence
They leave inspired – no longer tense
This is the magic spread by Sue
Now we belong to ‘chosen few’
Who carry on and spread the word
Determined to get voices heard
How are you spreading your positive ripples, and how has the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing helped you achieve this?
I can honestly say that doing the Diploma has been life-changing for me! I have savoured it all, taking my time to enjoy each module and ensure that the study is relevant and is making a difference to my life. As a result of this, I feel energised and motivated. I am much clearer about what ‘lights my eyes up’ and plays to my strengths (loved the R2 Strengths). I have ‘let go’ of most of the work which I was using my Learned Behaviours to complete, and developed two associates to take this on. I now work very selectively, and mostly as a coach, which plays to my strengths. I spread ‘positive ripples’ with all my coaching clients and have shared many strategies and techniques which I learned on the Diploma. I have also incorporated some of the research and learning into workshops I have designed on building resilience.
My two main areas of interest are Positive Mental Health and Positive Ageing and I am determined to have some influence in both of these areas.
Having chosen Positive Education as one of my Electives, I conducted a very thorough Wellbeing Audit at a local secondary school and my recommendations were well received. I have since been asked to run workshops for teaching assistants and support staff on building resilience so will get a chance to spread more positive ripples and ‘give back’ which was one of my goals. I feel very strongly about the potential burnout of teaching staff – a real risk identified at the IPEN Conference I attended last year. I am hoping these workshops will help in a small way by equipping people with positive strategies to keep themselves in a good place.
Another goal is to volunteer myself as a coach to a small business called Positive Ageing UK, which uses positive psychology to help people plan for later years and view life more optimistically. Not only is this of great personal interest to me, but I believe it is an arena where I can use my skills, experience and knowledge to good advantage. I loved the work of Ellen Langer and will use this to spread more positive ripples!
Having always viewed myself as a ‘half full’ person, I believe the impact of the Diploma has been significant. I now actively take steps to show up as my Best Self in my work, leisure and relationships and I feel happier. I love talking to others about Positive Psychology and sometimes challenging their perceptions of life. Small things can make a Big Difference – for example, the Daily Practice of Gratitude has a significant impact on mood and mindset.
I am hoping to continue to spread Positive Ripples for many years to come! Thank you.