This Easter week’s exploration of character strengths returns to a theme I’ve explored a couple of times already in this space, but one that’s always worth thinking about (especially for a realist like me!): Hope. According to the VIA Institute on Character, “If Hope is your top strength, you expect the best in the future, … Continue reading Hope
People who want to effect change in their life often complain about a lack of willpower. Conversely, people who meet their goals easily often judge those who don’t as being “weak willed”. But focusing on the will like this is misleading; it suggests that the key to making good choices in the moment is just … Continue reading Self-Regulation
Honesty may be the best policy, but as we all know, it’s also really, really hard. It’s so easy to tell a little white lie to spare someone’s feelings or to deflect responsibility. And maybe when the stakes are low, this isn’t so bad. But at what point do the little lies add up to … Continue reading Honesty
Why is the sky blue? Why can’t people fly? Why do I need to eat vegetables? Why can’t I play in the rain without a coat? Why? Why? Why? Asking why is the hallmark of childhood. Children are naturally curious, eager to learn everything they can about the world around them. Yet somewhere along the … Continue reading Curiosity
While Christians aren’t exactly known for our humour, the one joke most Christians make is to say that God has a good sense of humour. It’s a sentiment that gets rolled out when we’re confronted with a range of unusual or unexpected things, from the sight of a platypus to an experience of order appearing … Continue reading Humour
Matthew Root 