Hi there,

This week is all about Character Strengths!

When I first discovered Character Strengths during my studies in Applied Positive Psychology, something clicked. These strengths are the essential ingredients of human flourishing and I could easily see how this connects to the heart of In My Kitchen — food, culture, and travel. Exploring new cultures through food doesn’t just satisfy our senses — it deepens connection, joy, and purpose.

So, what exactly are Character Strengths, and where did they come from? I unpack all that in this week’s short podcast episode, Whip Up Wellbeing: Character Strengths in Action.

Here’s a taste to whet your appetite:

In short, Character Strengths form a “common language” of personality that:

💃🏻 Reflects our core identity
💪🏼 Produces positive outcomes (like stronger relationships, achievement, and resilience)
🌏 Benefits both ourselves and our communities

The 24 Character Strengths were identified by psychologists Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson as part of the groundbreaking VIA (Values in Action) Classification, a universal framework for understanding what’s best in human nature.

Why do we need to know what our Character Strengths are?
Please  listen to this weeks 14 minute episode to find out:

Eps 33: Whip Up Wellbeing: Character Strengths in Action

Knowing and applying your Signature Character Strengths will enrich your connections through food and travel!

Now Start Exercising Those Character Strengths

If you made it this far, I hope you have listened to the episode and went over to the VIA Institute website to do the free survey to discover your character strengths.  If you have listened to the episode you are aware that I am putting two resources in here for you to use to start leveraging those Character Strengths:

Using Signature Strengths in New Ways

There is a study mentioned in the podcast episode that had a huge impact on me and it is all around using one signature character strength in a new way each day for a week. To make it easier for you the VIA Institute created a handy list of new ways to try out your signature character strengths.

How to know if a strength is a Character Strength?

The VIA Institute of Character suggests to reflect on each one using the criteria below. My suggestion is to use this criteria to confirm if your signature strengths (top 5-7) are indeed signature character strengths.

Essential to Identity

• You see this strength as a central part of who you are.

• When you act with this strength, it feels like your true self.

Effortless Expression

• You use this strength naturally and frequently—almost without thinking.

• It doesn't feel forced or draining; instead, it's energizing.

Uplifting and Energizing

• Using the strength gives you a sense of vitality or joy.

• It often leaves you feeling fulfilled or satisfied.

Consistency Across Contexts

• This strength shows up in different parts of your life (work, relationships, hobbies, etc.).

Learning and Growth

• You are intrinsically motivated to develop this strength further.

• You enjoy learning about and improving how you use it.

Recipe Highlight:

Use one of your newly discovered Signature Character Strengths in a new way this week. Make Nida’s Baingan Bharta (Pakistani Curried Eggplant)!  You could be using your signature strength of creativity, curiosity, perseverance….

Happy Cooking, Happy Travels!