If our brains are like toddlers running with scissors, how can we keep them in check? Dr. Kimberly Quinn, teacher of Positive Psychology, Mindcraft, and Cognitive Psychology at Champlain College in Burlington, VT, can help you do just that. This episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you train your brain and work towards a more positive way of thinking.   Kimberly teaches a summer course on trauma for the Community College of Vermont and speaks at various colleges, universities, and organizations on a variety of topics related to well-being. Her most recent speaking engagements were on trauma and resilience (TEDx-Washington, DC), embracing neurodiversity (TEDx-Amoskeag Millyard), Managing the Monkey Mind with Mindfulness (Southern New Hampshire University), and Social Media & the Well-being of Student Athletes’ (St. Michael’s College).    Kimberly hosts in-person workshops and webinars on a variety of topics related to well-being, trauma, and resilience as well as a weekly Mindcraft podcast series aimed at striving for optimal well-being and life satisfaction.   Let’s dive into more hacks to become the boss of our brain!    [00:01 - 7:21] Introduction to Mindcraft    Kimberly explains the concept of mindcraft. Course in response to tremendous anxiety and depression. Her love of working with young adults. Definition of trauma: Brain changes. Address the issues that are overwhelming young adults. Learning to become the boss of your brain. Don’t let angry and fearful thoughts take into a personal issue. There are two choices people can make: Control our thoughts. Let our thoughts control us. Shift negativity into positivity. 21 days for our habits to stick.   [07:22 - 31:45] Train Your Reckless Brain   Happiness is something we need to decide. United States condition.   Once people become successful, then they become happy.   If you focus on your goals, you won’t enjoy the moment. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone scene. Mindful and grateful to enjoy inner peace today.   Happiness is a choice   The high majority of our happiness, authentic happiness, is NOT related to external circumstances.  The deal is to make different choices and work hard. Business models to capture attention in the news and social media. Kimberly shares her favorite part of the brain. Amygdala. It’s meant to keep us alive. The pandemic situation has led more to anxiety, depression, and chaos. We are predisposed, physiologically, to think negatively. The anxiety is self-reinforcing.  What if …  Excessive compulsive thinking Let’s talk about the What if… Spend your life minutes as if they are cash. The worry rehearses anxiety. The brain is like a toddler. Some tricks to take home: Say it aloud, not today, maybe tomorrow. Look for progress, not perfection. Not feeling less forever, get busy. The mindcraft gratitude Shift into the positive mindset. Write daily 3 things you are grateful for. Smiling even if you’re not feeling it. The mirror neuron: It helps us to learn through mimicry. The importance of taking a deep breath. Automatic neurological reset. A break for excitement or anxiety. Bring out the best in humanity and amplify our future on The Goodness Exchange More information on how you can join in below   [39:52 -  52:44] Shifting the perspective of everyday life.   Kimberly’s insights about doing things just because. Feeding our souls vs spiritual bankruptcy.   Each day is a fresh start.   Keeping yourself full and rejuvenated. Boundaries are at the top of the list of practicing self-care. Self-value. Self-discipline. Compassionate people tend to be really good boundary setters.   Become human doings instead of human beings.   Keeping a good company. Spend and save our valuable minutes with people who bring joy to our life. Exchange your energy. Quality time. The giving tree - Shel Silverstein. Mindful giving vs mindless giving. Codepe