When something stirs me, I have to post, and I have been affected, in positive ways, by several training sessions at school.
You may remember my posts:
Fixed Vs. Growth Mindset: The Round Roti
(If you don’t, well they click away, I’m sure you’ll be inspired too!)
Last Friday, we were treated to a cracker of a three-hour training session by the official Doctor of Happiness, Andy Cope.
And what a wonderfully upbeat, positivity-filled guy to deliver this workshop!
Andy Cope
The workshop was entitled The Art Of Being Brilliant. And it really was BRILLIANT!
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Andy Cope has researched for 12 years about the emotion of happiness, at a time when all other psychologists were busy looking at the ‘illness’ aspect of state of mind. Depression/why are we down?/mental health issues… but no one was out there, thinking about what created happiness, or that feeling of contentment, and how we could all turn our state to ‘happy’ instead of ‘down’.
So he did.
We started off being shown a word.
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A Finnish word, which piqued my interest straight away, what with my Finnish connections!
The Finns have a word that is all about their favourite bouncy cushions!
We were then instructed to go home, find those ‘meh’ pants in our underwear drawers, and chuck them away. Instead, we should start our day with our ‘special’ pants.
Why?
Because every day is special.
Google Images
And that is so true, isn’t it?
Through a series of humorous slides, clips and activities, the main aim was to show us that we needed to foster that internal sense of positivity that lives within us all.
There have been many types of research done on creativity and our ways of thinking. And all of them point to the fact that as a child, we are all geniuses, thinking out of the box.
But as we grow older, it gets taught out of us.
At school, we are not necessarily encouraged to have our own off the wall ideas, but to conform to a certain method of how to solve a maths problem, or how to conduct an experiment. Even art is prescribed.
A nursery child is likely to be fearless, in the name of learning about life, from jumping around to tasting strange things. But that same child will be totally different, ten years down the line, almost afraid to be unique in his thinking, following the expectations of the teacher, the school, and the government.
Slowly that creativity is almost beaten out of us.
It’s the same with our thinking and positivity.
The majority of the world is stuck in a loop. A learned loop. Learned from the grown us around us, the teachers who influence us, our colleagues.
And we, in turn, will pass that same thinking on to others.
If all you hear is moaning, and negativity, you are likely to find that you are also becoming the same – a Mood Hoover, as Andy Cope calls them.
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Instead of seeing the bright side of life, it’s much easier to see the flip side. And moan.
According to Andy, a third of the population are what he calls Mood Hoovers.
The rest of us hover between being a bit moany, a bit negative, but there are periods of brightness, positivity and HAPPINESS too.
Then there are the 2%ers – the 2% of the population who are truly happy, content with life, positive and at peace.
Google Images
These are the people who have learned to wake in the morning feeling thankful, facing every day with a zing in their step, not afraid to try something different from the norm, and they’ve learned to ‘build a bridge’ over troubles, and minor niggles, and ‘let them go’.
They are the people who seem to naturally follow the Danish Hygge way of thinking…
Embracing the little things that give happiness.
Sure, they will have down days too, they’re only human, but for the majority of their time, they choose to be happy and smile in the face of life.
“What does all this have to do with teaching?” I hear you say.
Well, nothing, and everything really!
The thought behind this is that you, and how you project yourself as a teacher, has a huge impact on your class. If you show that positivity, fearlessness, and excitement, and embrace the unknown yourself, you are likely to be the teacher that creates that kind of ‘2%er’ influence in the life of children who may live in a house of ‘Mood Hoovers’.
You have the confidence to try new things, and you show the children that it is okay to learn ‘differently’.
You foster a love of learning with your own enthusiasm – and they WANT to learn!
And if we, as teachers can do this, our schools will become places where people want to come. We can help to create a generation of ‘2%ers’, unafraid to step out into the unknown, and excited by what life may have in store for them.
Seriously, mind blown!
And even cooler… There was a competition… to win a Happy tee-shirt… and I won!
Yes, I bought more books (I’m a bookaholic, I can’t help myself) but one was a ‘gift’ from our headteacher. And I am really excited to read them too!
As I went to collect my stuff, our deputy head smiled at me and said “Well done!”. I joked, that I must be one of those ‘2%ers’ then and he said “No Ritu, you are definitely a 1%er. That wasn’t your victory, it was a victory for our school.”
I was so touched… It means a lot to me to be seen as that positive influence, and I hope my love for teaching, learning, my job, my pupils and my colleagues shines through…
(As long as he wasn’t referring to some other 1% of the population who is as annoying as heck, smiling all the time!)
And I have sorted my undies out, only the best ones now for every day. I’ll use my best crockery, and wear my ‘nice’ clothes because every day is a new day. I’ve been building bridges over minor niggles and letting things go too. And going forward, I’ll use that lovely stationery I have collected, and take some of my special Arts and Crafts resources to school for the children to use, rather than leave them in boxes, for those just-in-case moments… Every day IS SPECIAL and so are we all!
(But as it’s my birthday today too, I’ll wear my extra special undies along with my Happy tee shirt!!!!)
Schools out there, I’d definitely recommend The Art Of Brilliance as a tool to reignite a flame of positivity that seems to have dimmed withing us all. We can all do it, it just seems we need to relearn how to be happy. And if we are happy, it automatically reflects upon how we are as teachers and colleagues, which in turn will create a positive, exciting learning environment, and engaged children.
From Andy Cope!
Find out more at:
https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/
Twitter: @beingbrilliant
Instagram: @artofbrilliance
But I Smile Anyway... 
Sep 26, 2018 @ 17:57:17
This is a wonderful post! So important to keep a positive focus, and I love how you encourage teachers in the art of happiness and to inspire this in children. Completely awesome. My spiritual mentor John-Roger said that if you want to be happy, do happy things. 🙂
Have a great (and happy!) rest of your week. Blessings, Debbie
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Sep 26, 2018 @ 19:02:04
Thank you 😍😍😍
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Sep 24, 2018 @ 02:07:42
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Don’t Miss This Great Post by Ritu!!!
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Sep 24, 2018 @ 02:05:45
This was such a wonderful post, Ritu!!! Such an insightful and motivating post! Bravo!!!
xoxoxo
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Sep 24, 2018 @ 06:54:50
Thank you ,😍
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Sep 11, 2018 @ 12:07:19
Oh yes, yes, yes. So many good nuggets here, Ritu. You might want to check out Martin Seligman’s work also. He’s been studying happiness for quite a while at the U of Penn in Philadelphia. He’s also the “Learned Helplessness” guy — the flip side of all you’ve said here. A belated happy birthday to you. You’ve got me thinking about “why” I chose the undies I’ve got on. Woooooeeey
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Sep 11, 2018 @ 12:49:15
Thank you Janet!
I’m all about the special pants!
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Sep 08, 2018 @ 08:48:18
I LOVE this! It resonates with me fully and I believe it to be true 100%. I am a true believer that people that you are around that make your energy drop, are mood hoovers (love that) and need positivity in their lives. I do think people get stuck in a habit of moaning and being negative. Such an interesting post, thanks for sharing x
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Sep 08, 2018 @ 08:53:31
I’m glad it hit a nerve in a good way. It’s been over a week and the course is still inspiring me!
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 22:39:43
Love this Ritu. Wonder if we can get something like that here? Would love it!
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 22:52:58
Oh I highly recommend it! You should pass the details to your management!!!!
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 21:40:49
Congrats on being a 1%er – sounds like an excellent workshop.
I’ve had this discussion same with loads of friends and family. I’ve always believed that we’re at our most creative from around 10 to 24, then society takes over and we become numbed and moulded into something we really don’t want to be – interesting write-up.
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 21:44:31
The creative disappears even before that… It’s scary when you see the research…
But this course was amazing!!!!
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 21:50:56
Wow, no one believed me and thought I was mad when I got into discussions about this – I guess everyone observes life differently.
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 21:53:41
It is a sad truth. We seem.to be beating creativity out if our kids, numbing them with the learning our governments think they should be doing, stifling their creativity and problem solving skills by telling/ teaching them there is only one way… And that us the only right way.
It’s not how us teachers want to teach, but how we are being made to teach…
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Sep 08, 2018 @ 09:36:25
Very good point. Maybe the world should be looking at Finland’s education philosophy.
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Sep 08, 2018 @ 10:32:46
I agree totally! My sis in law is Finnish and they live in Helsinki. It is wonderful to see my nephew thrive there!!!
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 21:25:21
This is such a top buzzing post. The happiness is catching! It’s just brilliant that these workshops are out there for folks like yourself who are working with our kids, brilliant! X
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Sep 07, 2018 @ 21:43:01
Seriously Em! I want to be part of Andy’s Happiness Band and speak about positivity to the world!!!!
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Sep 06, 2018 @ 12:25:37
What an interesting word! And I definitely need more chill in my life 😉
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Sep 06, 2018 @ 12:37:04
I highly recommend it! 😊
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Sep 06, 2018 @ 12:02:47
Love it, I’m not often a 2% but when I’m crafting I’m definitely a 1%. Thank you for reminding me it costs nothing to smile in fact it’s worthwhile 🙂
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Sep 06, 2018 @ 12:36:49
Keep smiling and thanks for reading! 😊
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Sep 04, 2018 @ 21:31:05
Good on you , you prove again how amazing you are!! The school is lucky to have you and what a great training day for everyone. We can all take something from this upbeat and positive post 😊 hope you had a great birthday in your special pants and tshirt. 😂
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Sep 04, 2018 @ 21:35:34
Aw thanks Deb!
It was so inspiring, and because it was only the teachers, the head is hoping to get the Happiness Doctor in to chat to the Teaching Assistants too!
I loved my tee-shirt, and my special pants, but note to self, sometimes special pants are really annoying, hence you only wear them once in a while lol!!! (my today’s special’s are called ‘cheeky style’ and they rode up, and down, in all the wrong places!!! 😂 😂)
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Sep 04, 2018 @ 21:59:43
Oh dear! Maybe too much information there Ritu 😂😂
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Sep 04, 2018 @ 22:02:41
😂😂😂 oops sorry! But it’s true!!! I’ll be wearing sensible special pants tomorrow!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 20:25:30
Awesome training! This is one of those “seminars” nobody falls asleep but has fun! I am sure you had a funny pants day today!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 20:32:20
It was a great day sis!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 20:57:49
I bet, sis! Very uplifting and motivating.
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 21:08:16
😍
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 20:10:43
So happy that I can wear my fancy pants every day! 😁
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 20:31:26
I went and bought new fancy pants yesterday!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 15:25:51
Brilliant!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 15:54:22
It was!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 15:03:36
How awesome! I’m going to follow on Twitter.
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 15:53:44
Worth it!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:30:26
I love, LOVE this, Ritu! Super teacher workshop. Here’s to the 2%!!! And, that would include us. 😀
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:35:51
Absolutely Jennie! 😍😍😍
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:52:25
😀
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:20:27
I passed the link to my daughter pinned for later your post liked and now I chat to you my daughter would like a dozen of you in herschools.
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:34:41
Aw bless her!!! I wish I had a clone machine!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:43:54
As director of four primary schools, it would probably pay her to have one …
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:48:06
I’ll bet!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:54:23
Enjoy your SIPB Monday member day 😇
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:55:37
Thank you Hun 😍
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:06:44
I love this! What a wonderful post–and a wonderful Finnish word. Their language is amazing, isn’t it? I just started a WIP that will require me to research Finland–their Winter War and Finnish people today. I’m so intrigued. Thank you for bringing the positivity and happiness–it shines through your blog posts!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:34:07
Thank you so much! The Finnish language is so funny!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:46:28
exhausted after chucking away all her ‘meh’ pants
What a great post! Love this
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:50:09
Mine are all gone!!! Victoria’s Secret all the way!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:34:36
Well done Ritu, excellent 💜
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:34:48
Thanks sis 💜
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:12:25
Excellent post! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! have a good one! xo🎂🎁🌹
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:24:07
Thank you Darlene 😍
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:01:47
Love the posting! You are all very well trained, and beside all: You are a very very positive influencer, Ritu!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:23:51
I appreciate that Michael!!! Thank you
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 13:37:29
Always my pleasure, Ritu! And its true too. Your family is blessed with an angel named “Ritu”. 😉
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 14:32:10
💜💜💜
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 11:52:34
This is a great post as I prepare to return to work for our”busy” season. I’m going to smile every time it think “oh, let’s not be a mood hoover” 🙂
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 12:23:13
Love that phrase!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 10:54:04
Nothing wrong with being a bookaholic Ritu!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 11:13:47
Love me a book!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 10:00:38
Hi Ritu, I heard Andy and the team at the Art of Brilliance’ Festival of Happiness earlier in the year at Manchester – he was ace and the whole day was excellent 🙂 It filled me with energy, I got books and the purple happy t-shirt too 🙂 well done on winning a t-shirt too Have a great term at school, love Bec ps I nipped over from blog and a beverage 🙂
,
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 11:12:55
Thank you so much Rebecca!
Andy was fab!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 09:39:53
I LOVE this!!! Glad you enjoyed the day and got so much out of it. Shall be sharing this on my motivational FB page 🙂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY xxx
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 11:12:27
Thanks Shelley! You would have loved it!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 08:09:25
I enjoyed reading this Ritu, and it sounds like that was an excellent course, just the kind of thing I’d love! I really liked the’Mindset’ book by Carol Dweck.
Happy birthday!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 11:10:37
Thank you so.much. it was a great course!!!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 07:50:29
Happy Monday. Studying happiness must be a wonderful job.
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 11:10:20
Thank you. What a great job eh!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 06:51:06
Lovely post, Ritu. Congrats on the victory!
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 07:11:45
Thank you Steve 😍
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Sep 03, 2018 @ 06:49:26
Please follow my blog too!
https://themidnightweaver.wordpress.com
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