I have been lucky enough to speak at:
• Happiness and It's Causes alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama and psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (2017)
• The Creative Fringe (solo, and twice by popular demand) (2016, 2015)
• Kaleido Issue 1 Launch alongside typographer Gemma O'Brien and production designer Lee Launay (2014)
I speak about happiness and work. Many of us are creating it.
My talks are an extension of Happiness in the Creative Industry, my column previously published by Kaleidopress that aims to empower creative people to make fulfilling career choices.
I decided to write solution-focussed content that would have helped my previous self through challenging circumstances such as redundancy, churn-and-burn workplaces and gender discrimination. Discussing these all-too-common experiences was socially taboo during the most challenging times.
No one experiences anything new in this world, so writing about it creates support for others.
I use the definition of happiness defined by positive psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky to create the foundation for discussion. This definition of happiness encompassess:
The experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.
I like this definition because it takes into account day-to-day emotions and personal values. You need both to work together to create this sense of happiness.
I share positive psychology techniques and knowledge to help others take better care of themselves.
Tips include:
1. Work with good people who recognise your talent
2. Give gratitude everyday
3. Challenge negative thoughts
4. Know your value
5. Learn to listen to your body
6. Aim for excellence not perfection
7. Set boundaries
8. Cultivate a relationship with yourself
