This week I’m doing something a little different to wrap up our Summer of Strengths.
Instead of spotlighting just one strength, I’d love to show you how all of our signature strengths can support us during times of transition. At the end, we’ll walk through a simple way you can start putting your own VIA results into action. So grab your results, and let’s dive in!
Riding the Waves of Change
The end of summer always brings shifts, doesn’t it? This time, it means moving my daughters back to college—and then, just one day later, flying to Amsterdam and Brussels with my husband, where I’ll be meeting up with my mom (fresh off her own flight.)
It’s exciting, but I’ll be real: it also feels a little scattered. Between helping my girls pack, coordinating trip details, and managing my own emotions about the return to my empty nest, I’ve been sitting in that space where joy and sadness meet.
What’s been helping me manage this transition? Leaning into my signature strengths. They’ve given me both grounding and guidance in the middle of the swirl.
My Strengths in Action
Humility & Perspective
When my mind starts racing through my never-ending to-do list, humility reminds me: I can’t do everything perfectly—and I don’t need to. I’d rather spend these last moments with my daughters in presence, not in panic.
That perspective is such a relief. I am moving tasks off my to-do list that can be delayed. I am giving myself permission to send my newsletter late.
Love
Even when my girls interrupt my work, I’m choosing to lean into love and take the opportunity to connect. Whether that’s packing together, listening as they share about their excitement for the year ahead or listening to a song by song review of Laufey’s new album (my personal favorite), I’m seeing those interruptions as opportunities.
The same goes for trip planning with my mom—discussing possible activities, weather & packing strategies. All worth the time. This trip feels even more special because it’s our first international adventure together.
Love of Learning
Between French practice on Duolingo and researching city transit maps, my love of learning is fueling my excitement for my upcoming trip. My older daughter even gave me a crash course in navigating public transportation—a sweet role-reversal that I loved.
Social Intelligence & Kindness
Transitions are complicated. They hold both joy and ache. I’ll miss my daughters’ daily presence and conversation, but I’m also looking forward to less clutter around the house and more freedom in my schedule. By practicing self-compassion and kindness with myself, I can welcome both of those feelings without judgment.
Bringing It Back to You
Now it’s your turn. Here’s a simple process you can use to work with your own VIA survey results:
Aware: Look at your top 5 or 6 strengths from your VIA survey results.
- Do your highest strengths sound like you?
- What surprises you about them?
- Do you think these strengths are most natural and energizing to you?
Explore: Consider how your strengths have shaped you and how they can help you continue growing by answering these questions.
- When you have been successful in the past, what strengths were you using?
- How do you use each of your top strengths each day?
- How have your strengths helped you deal with challenges?
- What strengths will you need to tap into to reach your goals and best possible future?
Apply: It’s time to consider what actions you want to take to integrate your strengths into your routines.
- Which strengths do you want to use in your daily life?
- How can you use your signature strengths in different ways?
- How will you use your strengths to reach your goals?
This Week’s Strength Challenge
I’d love to hear from you!
How will you deliberately use your strengths this week?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave me a comment and join the conversation!
New Group Coaching for Parents of Young Adults
I’m so excited to invite you to Positive Launch—a 90‑minute group coaching session (with my colleague, Jennifer Hanawald) for parents and caregivers of high school and college students. You’ll learn practical, evidence‑based tools to stay connected with your young adult while supporting their transition to independence.
When: Sunday, September 21 · 4–5:30 PM EST
Cost: Introductory rate $99
Register: Click here to sign up
Want more details? Send an email to dianna@collierclan.net
Dianna Collier 