I arrived back (to my « routine » let’s say) after 4 days of Positive Psychology at the European Conference. And since Monday I try to gather my thoughts and make something coherent from all the learning and positive emotions I experienced. I have learned a lot, I enjoy every presentation or workshop I could attend, I found out about new research and applications in organisations, sports, life in general…I felt gratitude and satisfaction while sharing about the program we created here in Luxembourg….Most probably I could have read and learn about all of this in the comfort of my home but the reality is I went there for the people. This is what drives me everyday, why I wake up every morning.Why I chose positive psychology. Positive psychology is about people and what is good in us and for our lives.
So I decided to tell you about two most memorable moments for me:
1) The most surprising encounter…probably one of the most senior participants, a Swedish lady who told me she just turned 81 on the first day of the conference. The theme of the workshop we met in it was about relationships, so she confessed: “My life nowadays is probably different then all of you. My children are adults and have their own lives, my husband is dead, most of my friends are dead or have dementia. BUT I love life, so I came here to learn, share and be with others. To celebrate life and tell you that there is joy in getting old!”
Besides all the stats, research and applications, I think this is what I will remember the most from this conference. I attach here a picture of Ingrid with one of her two books she wrote about the joy of being old. In all the madness of our busy lives as young and middle-aged adults we should always remember to enjoy life with our dear ones, to be courageous and dare new adventures so we can tell their stories when we will be older.
2) The moment of incredible connection (positivity resonance) at the conference dinner where up on the mountains surrounded by mirific landscape we were all holding each other singing:
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
Yoo-hoo, ooh-ooh
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one
Those who ever had the occasion to experience such moments they know how priceless they are.
by 