Can A Drawing Be A Key To Your Personality?

Can a drawing be a key to your personality?

Can a simple drawing be used to interpret something about your personality? Is it possible that a drawing can reveal valuable information, which helps you understand how you view yourself, others, and the world?

Many mental health practitioners use “Projective tests” as a framework for discussion of personality characteristics with clients. Drawings have the potential of predicting specific traits of the artist. Therapists look for commonly drawn elements as a means of predicting behaviors or beliefs. For instance, a sun in the sky may symbolize a strong connection with your father or mother, depending on which side the paper it is located. Flowers drawn near a house might indicate that the artist enjoys structuring their environment. In fact, a trained therapist and the person who draws the picture can use drawings as a means of discovering a wealth of information and as a forum for further discussion.

Want to try a small projective test for yourself? This is not a psychologically tested projective drawing, but a little fun drawing that might tell a little bit about you. Remember this is just for fun, not something that has a scientific basis. Here goes…take out a piece of clean paper and draw a pig. Yes, I said a pig. Don’t get caught up in the issue of being a perfectionist, just draw a pig…don’t worry…no one will see your drawing so you don’t have to be an award winning pig artist.

Now look at your picture and see if any of these things fit for you…

• If the pig is drawn toward the top of the paper you are an optimist. • If the pig is toward the middle of the page, you are a realist • If the pig is drawn toward the bottom of the page you are a pessimist • If the pig’s face is facing left you are friendly and remember dates • If the pig’s face is facing forward (Looking at you) you are direct and either fear nor avoid discussions • If the pig’s face is facing right, you are innovative and active and have a strong sense of family • Few details in your picture? You care little for details and are a risk-taker • Four legs showing means you are secure, stubborn and stick to your ideals • Missing some legs? You are insecure or living through a period of major change. • The size of the ears says something about the quality of your listening skills. The bigger the ears, the better the listening skills.

Remember this is just a light-hearted look at projective drawings. Sometimes the characteristics fit, and other times they don’t. Hopefully, either way, your pig drawing brought a smile to your face. Now grab a friend and give them the unofficial pig test and then paste that pretty pig on your refrigerator for all to see! Or how about sharing your results with members of the blog and let us know if it was "right-on" for you.

Happy Valentine's Day to all

There are many who feel “forgotten” on Valentine’s Day. Is it true that people experience depression on this holiday?
Absolutely… people who have a “down day” include those who are not in significant relationships, those who have lost their loved one, and those who are in relationships that are not fulfilling. Unfortunately, our media has created the illusion that everyone will have romance on this day. Use Valentine’s Day to tell people you care about them and are grateful they are in your life.

Valentine’s day can be difficult for some people who don’t have a significant other. What are some ideas for those who facing this situation?
1. Do something nice for yourself. Bring in a special dinner, go to a movie, buy yourself some chocolate
2. Spend time with a friend who is also single
3. Focus on gratitude—look at what you DO have in your life vs. what is missing
4. Spend time with grandchildren.
5. Take your pet “out on the town” for a long walk.
6. Remember you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to use this day to express love and caring for people in your life. Remember how much fun it was when you were a child and gave little valentines to everyone you liked in your class. Share the love.

Making Love Last

Over 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce. What are the keys to making love last?

Couples that have been married for over 40 years say they…
• Accept differences in each other
• Maintain strength during adversity
• Provide nurturing
• Use humor
• Build togetherness
• Use positives in their communication with each other

What are some simple things you can do each day to bolster your chances of making your relationship last?
• Make time for touching and hugs
• Make it a priority to find time for your partner
• Give compliments to each other
• Express appreciation & gratitude
• Have “meaningful” communication
• Say “I love you” and let your behaviors exhibit it

It sounds so easy... and it is! Use this simple techniques to enhance your love life

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder

The days are gray and cold. Days pass without ever seeing the sun. Welcome to the time when many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Many of us have heard about Seasonal affective disorder or SAD… but what are the common characteristics?
Approximately 17 % of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is commonly called "winter depression." It is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression, carbohydrate craving, weight gain that begins in autumn and continues through the winter months. Many people experience fatigue, loss of energy, and feelings of worthlessness all due to the loss of sunlight. Typically SAD occurs 4 times as many times in women. The average age of onset is 23 years old.

Does Seasonal Affective disorder only occur during the fall and winter?
Actually, research indicates there is also something called "summer depression" which occurs in spring and lasts during the summer. It is characterized by depression, decreased sleep, weight loss and poor appetite.

What is the typical treatment for Seasonal Affective disorder?
Light therapy has been the most successful form of therapy. This is usually done with a light box, which is 10,000 lux and the patient starts with 10-15 minute sessions per day and increases the sessions to 30-45 minutes per day. Light boxes range in cost from $200-$500 depending on the features of the unit. Some insurance companies do cover a portion of the cost of light boxes for therapeutic usage. Most recently, some companies have developed new full-spectrum bulbs that can be placed in lamps and are purchased at a fraction of the cost of traditional light boxes.

Despite claims, there is no evidence to indicate that tanning beds (where the eyes are generally covered) are useful in the treatment of SAD. Actually tanning beds are relatively high in UV rays, which can be harmful to the eyes and the skin.

If you feel like you might be suffering with SAD, discuss your symptoms with a licensed therapist or your physician.

Laughter and Humor

It has been said “By the time a child reaches nursery school, he or she will laugh 300 times a day. Adults laugh an average of 17 times a day.” (Discovery Health).

What are the benefits of laughter?
• Reduces stress (laughter stimulates both sides of our brain and eases muscle tension)
• Lowers our blood pressure
• Elevates our mood (and gives our body a good workout)
• Boosts our immune system (releases antibodies)
• Improves our brain functioning
• Helps us connect with others
• Fosters relaxation

Why do we need humor and laughter?
• Replaces negative emotions with pleasurable feelings
• It changes behavior. We talk more, make more eye contact, touch more
• It increases our energy level
• It makes us feel good and heals our pain
• It is a safe way to introduce ourselves to others (connect)

How can you expand your sense of humor?
• Look for everyday humor. (look for absurd, silly or funny things that happen around you)
• Watch children (observe how they delight in light things)
• Increase your exposure to humor (comedies, joke books, listen to joke tapes, joke a day online)
• Hang around with funny friends
• If you hear a joke you like write it down (make sure you tell someone else and brighten their day).

So here’s my joke for the day: How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the light bulb really has to want to change….

The color of your car says something about you

Is your vehicle a clue to the real you? British psychologists claim the color preference of your car tells something about your personality. The Royal Automobile Club analyzed more than a thousand drivers and concluded that car color reveals personality traits more clearly than choice of clothes.

So here's what they concluded from their study:

• Black car- sucess driven and ambitious. The car is a statement of status
• Red car- the person is outgoing and impulsive. They prefer to be spontaneous and creative versus living an orderly life
• Silver car- you have style and focus on success. Researchers say you tend to be pompous
• Grey car- you have understated taste, and you are cautious
• White car- you are distant and dutiful. Researchers say you are aloof and methodical
• Green car- you are class conscious and very traditional in outlook. They say you are short on originality
• Pastel car- you are introverted and shy, and you tend to be depressed.

So there... you have it. Do you think the British researchers have you pegged? Curious to hear what you think.

Mark your calendars for Women's Lifestyle Show

Better than ever, the 16th annual Women's Lifestyle Show is already breaking records. We've got an additional 40,000 square feet to add to our exhibit floor, we will add a second attraction stage, and all of our major sponsors have resigned for Saturday October 27, 2007.

Joy Miller & Associates' booth was so busy last year, we will be adding lots more floor space for our exhibit area, and we'll be adding people to help you in the "Art of JOYful Living" area so you can participate in more interactive activities. And yes... we will have our hit of the show... the Joy Miller PHOTO booth will back in our booth so you can earn your way to take those pictures with your friends.

There will be lots of new surprises, so make sure you check our website regularily at www.womenslifestyleshow.com.