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Yahoo
30-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say
7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. Some people have personalities so strong they can move mountains. If you feel like that applies to you, then it just might. But what exactly does it mean to have a ? Is it inherently a good or bad thing?"Someone with a really strong personality often means that they are confident and assertive," explains a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "These people speak their minds and hold boundaries. They are also often people that others find themselves drawn to because there is a charismatic quality to these people."She reports that people with strong personalities have a signature passion and energy, which has its pros and cons. Read on as experts share more signs you have a strong personality and understand yourself (or a loved one) a bit better. Related: Strong Personalities Have Pros and Cons "Strong" can exude power—something often celebrated by society. Psychologists agree that there are certain qualities in individuals with strong personalities that are worth highlighting. ., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, says the benefits of having a strong personality include: Standing up for what's right Protecting others Natural leadership skills Clear decision-making Clear communication Honest and direct, including during conflicts Ability to motivate others On the flip side, Dr. Hafeez shares that people with strong personalities can struggle with: Coming off as intimidating and unapproachable Controlling tendencies Being too blunt Silencing "softer" voices Impatience With that in mind, let's see what signs point to someone having a really strong 7 Signs You Have a 'Strong Personality,' According to Psychologists 1. You say what you think People with strong personalities speak their minds."A person with a strong personality will often speak up and say the thing, even when others are reluctant," Dr. MacBride says. "These people tend to voice their opinions, challenge groupthink and address difficult topics."This trait isn't merely self-serving but carries weight in moments of injustice."They speak up when something feels wrong," Dr. Hafeez says. Related: 2. You set clear boundaries While some people struggle to set boundaries, those with strong personalities tend to be all in with them."These boundaries are often offered without the need to soften or apologize for them," Dr. MacBride Hafeez notes that this type of person doesn't second-guess and ruminate about boundaries after communicating them."They don't agree to things just to avoid awkwardness," she says. "They know their limits and aren't afraid to say what they are."Related: 3. You're resilient Dr. MacBride notes that people with a solid temperament remain whole even when criticized or rejected."People who have a strong personality are drawing validation from inside themselves," Dr. MacBride says. "They don't crumble when someone disagrees with them or doesn't like them. It's not that these things don't impact them, but their identity isn't hinged on the perceptions of others."Another expert agrees. People with strong personalities share something in common with rubber balls: They bounce back."They can recover quickly from difficulties and get back on track with what they were doing," says Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and 4. You aren't a people pleaser Dr. Hafeez reports that strong personality types don't strive to fit in and don't exhibit people-pleasing tendencies."They'll listen to others, but they don't fake who they are," she says. "They know what they believe and stick with it. This shows self-respect and inner strength."Dr. MacBride echoes these sentiments."People who have a strong personality have learned that they are not everyone's cup of tea," she says. "They are often OK with who they are and show up in genuine ways, rather than adapting their likes and dislikes to fit in with a group." 5. You're a natural-born leader If you're constantly in charge—whether that's in the workplace or organizing a pal's birthday bash—your people may consider you a "strong personality.""Formal—and even informal—leadership roles tend to fall to these people," Dr. MacBride explains. "They have an ability to influence others, make decisions and trust their inner convictions, and this doesn't go unnoticed by those who decide on leadership roles."Related: 6. You're good with internal validation Dr. MacBride stresses that people with strong personalities aren't on a fishing expedition for compliments."These people don't go seeking reassurance from others when they are able to validate their own opinions and choices," she shares. "This quality is whatallows them to make decisions and take initiative."Related: 7. You're stubborn Stubbornness can have a negative connotation, but it's also a great trait to have to stay true to yourself, your morals and what's right for you. Those with powerful dispositions have this trait in spades. "Nobody can convince them of anything that doesn't align with their heart and point of view on important matters," Sokola says. "They are tough negotiators. They follow their heart and reason by checking if the heart tells the truth. They usually listen to their gut instinct and focus on information rather than observations of others."Up Next:Sources: Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist 7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared. 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Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MacBride narrowly defeats incumbent Ritts in Ontario County GOP primary for DA
Jason MacBride has edged out incumbent District Attorney James Ritts in the June 24 Ontario County Republican Primary, according to unofficial results released by the county Board of Elections on July 1. MacBride won by a narrow margin of 103 votes, receiving 2,191 votes (51.18%) to Ritts' 2,088 votes (48.77%) after all in-person and mail-in ballots were counted. The Board of Elections is currently conducting a full recanvass of both mail-in and in-person ballots to verify the results before official certification. A final 'Statement of Canvass' will be filed once that process is complete. Ritts, who has served as DA since 2017 and is seeking a third term, responded to the results with a strongly worded statement. "I'm disappointed to have come up short in the Republican Primary by 103 votes," Ritts said, "but I'm looking forward to running in the General Election where we'll have far greater voter turnout." Calling MacBride a potential "public safety disaster," Ritts added: "I will not be silenced by political insiders that put politics over results." He also noted the low turnout in the primary — just under 4,300 voters, or about 5% of Ontario County's 80,000 registered voters. 'When the full population considers the candidates and votes in November, I'm optimistic that they'll deliver a different result,' Ritts said. MacBride, currently an Assistant County Attorney who prosecutes juvenile cases and advises child protection investigations, declared victory and thanked voters and supporters. 'This grassroots victory was built by neighbors talking to neighbors,' MacBride said. 'Ontario County deserves a justice system rooted in integrity, hard work, and fairness.' He also acknowledged his opponent: 'I want to acknowledge District Attorney Jim Ritts for a spirited campaign and his continued service to our community.' MacBride and Ritts will both appear on the November general election ballot, with Ritts on the Conservative Party line and MacBride running under the Truth and Justice Party. — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: MacBride defeats incumbent Ritts in Ontario County GOP primary for DA
Hamilton Spectator
16-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Mayor, residents note positive shift in Midland's downtown atmosphere
It's noticeable. Tourists roam and residents laugh. Panhandling and vagrancy are nearly invisible. For years in recent memory, the once-vibrant downtown core of Midland has felt the pressures of being a hub for many societal maladies. It has been a destination for released Central North Correctional Centre prisoners, former Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care inpatients and is the home of one of Simcoe County's housing shelters. What was once a sparse number of unknown faces asking strangers for spare change a decade ago inflated into a constant source for concern with frequent calls to the police by increasingly frustrated residents. And yet, since the winter transitioned into the warmth of spring, nearly no such exhibitions have flared up. At Olive Oil Co. on King Street near Dominion Avenue, Barb MacBride told MidlandToday that having only taken ownership of the global oils and balsamics business from her friend Denise Tucker since October, she hadn't been witness to the maelstrom of years prior; however, she was warned in advance. Olive Oil is located next to the former Crows Nest building at the intersection, and immediately adjacent to an alcove which was once the entrance to the Dynasty restaurant. For the past few years, that tucked alcove became the frequent location for transients to loiter, often seen damaging the exterior while verbally harassing residents and tourists; MacBride said no damage had breached into Olive Oil. 'Quite often, we would come in and try to clean it (the alcove) up safely because of needles and other paraphernalia that would be left behind, and it was quite an eyesore,`she says, adding that two relaxation chairs offered for passersby would often be taken over by the riff-raff, and frequent calls were made to the OPP whenever escalations occurred, sometimes daily. 'It would sometimes spark into arguments, or just selling drugs or smoking drugs or whatever the case was,' says MacBride, 'but enough so that our shoppers would be unnerved and come in and be uncomfortable.' MacBride states, however, that in 'the past couple of weeks, two to three weeks at least, we have not made a call to the OPP', and said that the downtown felt safer. She wasn't sure of the cause. It was a sentiment shared by Mayor Bill Gordon during the recent town council meeting, where a report on the Downtown BIA sparked a series of comments in which he admitted surprise that five unrelated residents over the past week had approached him 'to tell me that the downtown feels different; that it feels cleaner, it feels safer.' He added resident praise for town parks as well. Speaking to MidlandToday, Gordon says it felt like a resonance of factors: police patrols, 'some changes in management, new initiatives from the county, council direction, …the Hope, Housing and Health symposiums. 'I'm hoping it's the culmination of all these efforts over the past couple of years that are having a difference, but I guess time will tell over this summer,' says Gordon. He stressed that neither the Guesthouse shelter, located adjacent to the Midland Public Library at the corner of King Street and Elizabeth Avenue, nor its guests were the cause of all the downtown problems. It was a shared sentiment, echoed both by library CEO Trish Hayes, who wrote to MidlandToday that the library 'works to provide a safe and engaging space for everyone, and upholds a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all users are welcome at the library without consideration of socioeconomic status', and by Guesthouse CEO Rosemary Sykes. Says Sykes: 'The problems that the members of the BIA and community-at-large are concerned with are not shelter problems. The shelter is working very hard on a daily 24-hour day basis with well-trained staff to make sure our guests are cared for in the way that they're meant to be, where we also make sure our guests understand that they are citizens of this community. And as such, they have a responsibility for their behaviour both in the shelter and outside the shelter.' Sykes lists engagement roles which positively benefit the community, including patrols for clean-up and maintenance within the downtown core, docks, and parks by guests under guidance of Guesthouse staff. Additionally, Sykes states that a smoking area located behind the Guesthouse 'also became an attraction to those that were trying to deal drugs from the area of the shelter. We removed it, and so a lot of drug dealers have left; I can definitely say that has happened in the past two months or so.' The decrease in negligent activity was also verified by Corps Officer Lt. Aimee Thomas of the Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda, an outreach and family services worker who contacted MidlandToday regarding the strengthened connections between community agencies and area partners. 'We believe that there is a decrease in activity throughout the downtown core,' writes Thomas, 'as the Salvation Army has been present in the community to encourage those struggling with homelessness to choose alternative activities within our community, rather than congregating downtown. 'Within the last year, we have partnered with other community agencies to integrate our knowledge of services so that we can walk alongside to support our clients/customers' goals. Through this collaborative connection, we have seen an increase in housed individuals this year.' Thomas adds that although the future of homelessness in Midland was an unpredictable challenge, the Salvation Army and other partners would strive to support community efforts for affordable housing. And with Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival in full swing, Midland CAO Rhonda Bunn tells MidlandToday that town council and staff were 'invested in collaborating with social services and local organizations that provide outreach services and compassionate assistance where it is needed most, while ensuring the needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors are valued.' For MacBride and Olive Oil, the festival was just one more showcase of the town's inherent beauty; moreso with the safer environment. 'I love it down here. It's one of the nicest downtowns,' she says. 'We have some amazing shops and owners, and by far such a loyal customer base that love shopping downtown. I think it's important that we keep it in a manner that people feel safe, and I think that we're getting there.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
7 Signs You're Thriving in Your 50s—Even if It Doesn't Feel Like It
7 Signs You're Thriving in Your 50s—Even if It Doesn't Feel Like It originally appeared on Parade. There's a lot of talk about how social media is giving the "kids these days" a serious case of FOMO. However, people can feel stuck or like they're missing out at any age. If you feel like you've "failed to launch" or are treading water in your 50s, know you're not alone."Let's be real—this stage of life can come with some heavy stuff," says , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "Health changes, career plateaus, kids leaving home, parents needing more care, financial pressure and shifting social circles can all leave women feeling stuck, invisible or taken for granted."Yet, Dr. MacBride says these life changes are precisely why it's crucial for people 50 and older to feel like they're "not just thriving, but surviving."It can be hard not to compare yourself to the Joneses or think that you haven't lived up to whatever future plans you said you had in your high school senior yearbook. Dr. MacBride shares that you might need to give yourself extra credit. She shares seven signs you're thriving in your , even if it doesn't feel like You may not be bouncing off the walls like a toddler at the grocery store, but, as Dr. MacBride points out, "Who needs that?" However, you're thriving in your 50s if you can get through your day without feeling like an energy vampire has bitten you."This is a great sign that your sleep, hormones and habits are working for you," Dr. MacBride says. "These things can feel like an uphill battle, and keeping them in good balance can help propel you forward."Related: You left your people-pleasing days in a previous decade—goodbye over-apologizing or saying yes just to be nice."You know your worth—and your bandwidth," Dr. MacBride notes. "Strong boundaries reduce burnout, protect relationships and improve self-esteem and overall well-being. Not only that, it feeds back into the energy for what matters. Overcommitting and over apologizing drain energy resources, saying 'yes' when you mean it helps you thrive."Related: You may roll with fewer people. However, you've never rolled deeper."Your circle may have shrunk, but it's full of people who are tried and true—quality over quantity," Dr. MacBride shares. "Getting and giving support to others is a key piece of resilience."Related: Curiosity did not kill the cat, and having it is a sign you're doing just fine. Dr. MacBride says thriving opens the door for curiosity."Maybe for the first time in your life, you have the time and the resources to try something new," she explains. "Being in your 50s and beyond isn't about understanding your life story—it's about writing the next chapter. Our brains are wired to learn new things and have novel experiences." You may be losing hair or having hot flashes from perimenopause/menopause. However, you're embracing your body with a warm hug. "Thriving means loving yourself, seeing your own beauty and believing that your worth lives in who you are," Dr. MacBride shares that this sign is especially profound for women affected by society's impossible standards."The only choice becomes to rewrite what was once written for us," she "Loving [ourselves] and increasing self-compassion allows us to have a greater capacity for compassion toward others," she points Dr. MacBride says people may finally start prioritizing sleep in their 50s."The party-all-night stage is behind you, the kids can fend for themselves and it's time to invest in you," she raves. "[People] who thrive at 50+ begin to see how something like healthy sleep and diet can make a huge impact, and they start to take some of these things more seriously than in their 'It can't happen to me' younger years." You suddenly have a spark that you last felt when filling out those aforementioned high school yearbook questionnaires."This time the dream is about retirement, adventures and renewal of relationships," Dr. MacBride says. "This phase of life can be a time when [people] engage in the present moment and give themselves time to imagine what they want, which might help the spark really ignite."Related: Dr. MacBride encourages people to focus on the basics of good physical and mental health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet and healthy sleep. Also, communicate with your doctor."This is a time of great hormonal change for some women," she says. "Talk with your doctor about what hurts and mood swings. If you are not sure [if something is] working right, have it looked at." Dr. MacBride stresses it's important for people in their 50s to connect with their values if they want to feel like they are thriving."Be intentional about what helps you find meaning and be creative about ways you can achieve that," she shares. "Often, these are the activities that keep us going after retirement age. Starting these new hobbies and making these new relationships now [can] help support a healthy transition later when it's time to retire."Related: There's strength in numbers at every age. Dr. MacBride says the key to thriving is knowing who and where your people are."Make sure you are being intentional about who is around you and who you choose for support," she loved listening to former First Lady Michelle Obama talk about who sits at her "kitchen table" (and phasing out "slow ghosts") on her book tour for The Light We Carry."This is your support system—be thoughtful about who joins you at that table," Dr. MacBride says. "If someone doesn't belong, maybe you let go of that relationship slowly and gently, but with purpose—thus the 'slow ghost.'" Up Next:Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners 7 Signs You're Thriving in Your 50s—Even if It Doesn't Feel Like It first appeared on Parade on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
This Is the Best 'Slow Living' Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say
Grind culture tells us we "should" always be on, and mobile phones have made that a cinch. Your work email is in the palm of your hand. Ditto for messaging apps that make seeing a last-minute, after-hours request from your boss as easy as swiping, tapping and stressing. Enter a counter-culture that Gen-Z and women over 50 are embracing: it's called slow living."Slow living encourages slowing down, doing less and experiencing life based on your values," says Dr. Jan Miller, Ph.D., a Georgia-based licensed psychologist with Thriveworks. "This approach eschews productivity culture."Sounds dreamy, right? Developing certain habits and hobbies can help you inch closer to making slow-living a reality. Psychologists share their favorite slow-living hobby for women over 50—plus, a few more just in case that one doesn't resonate with you—and tips for getting This Just Twice a Week May Help Prevent Dementia, According to Study Slow living is a lifestyle built around intention and leaning into quality instead of quantity. "This lifestyle in the moment and discovering happiness through simple experiences like family time or nature connection," says , a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "It emphasizes slowing down and being present in the moment."One psychologist likens the pace of life to music."The pace of our world has a staccato rhythm to it," shares , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "We live and work in short bursts punctuated by a flurry of activity, often detached from other people, and the next activity often has nothing to do with the first. It begins to have a feel of dread, not unlike the opening notes of Beethoven's 5th symphony—da da da daah."Dr. MacBride notes that the intention, mindfulness and connectedness involved in slow living give you the opposite feeling, improving your well-being in the Anyone can benefit from slow living, but psychologists share it may be particularly attractive to women 50+, and they're happy about that. "The slow-living lifestyle benefits women over 50 by helping them maintain a healthier balance," Dr. Hafeez explains. "Women in their 50s may be facing life transitions such as empty nests or retirement, and slow living helps them adapt to these changes gracefully. By participating in joyful activities and focusing on the present moment, women can improve their mental health and lower their stress levels."Related: The key word is "lower." Dr. MacBride reports it's not possible to eliminate stress, but reducing it to a healthy baseline can improve a person's physical and mental well-being. Rejecting a culture that requires you to be always on and opting for slow living instead is useful, especially as a person gets older and becomes more at risk for chronic physical health concerns."We know that when the body is constantly battling stress, we are more likely to become ill and take longer to recover from illness and injury," she The best slow living hobby for women 50+? It's walking. "I love this hobby for women who are 50+ for a few reasons," Dr. Hafeez says. "First, it's so simple and easy. You don't have to 'prepare' for anything—instead, you just simply go out and walk. It's also a great way to get in your exercise. It's extremely important to stay active later on in life, and walking is one of the best forms of exercise there is."That said, you don't have to treat every walk like a brisk one. Slow, mindful steps can also significantly impact your overall well-being. "Mindful walks allow us to slow down and use our senses to be aware of the nature around us," Dr. Miller says. "Numerous studies have shown our mental and physical health benefits from being in nature."Not feeling it? That's OK."Certainly, [women 50+] would benefit from choosing the hobbies that work best for them, whether this is something they used to do but stopped or a new hobby they have always wanted to try," Dr. Miller This Basic Skill Every Day Could Prevent Cognitive Decline This one is actually Dr. MacBride's personal favorite slow living hobby for women 50+. "I love the idea of 'if you have made it, you can eat it,'" Dr. MacBride explains. "I love seeing women over 50 embrace scratch cooking and baking because, for the first time, they may be slowing down enough to make the time for themselves."However, making time for yourself can involve others, especially with cooking. Dr. MacBride says women may cook with a partner or children or pass along a special recipe to a grandchild, helping to ward off loneliness. She has a few more servings of goodness for this hobby."When we start to cook and eat in this way, it can be more budget-friendly, helping these women feel a bit more in control of finances as they think about retirement," Dr. MacBride says. "It is a perfect idea for women as they enter menopause and find that weight, shape and energy changes. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what their changing bodies need for nutrition." Dr. MacBride suggests giving pottery a spin if you're you enjoy art. It can connect you to yourself, nature and others."Using a wheel to make pottery requires you to be in the moment and pay attention to your body relative to the clay, literally an earthly material," she explains. "When you are done, consider giving your creations away to the people you love. They will love to see what you've been up to and won't mind if it's a little bottom-heavy." This slow living hobby is another one that lets you tap into your creative side while practicing mindfulness."It teaches you to pause and admire your surroundings," Dr. Hafeez raves. "You can cultivate mindfulness through photography by paying attention to details that you would typically overlook. You don't even necessarily have to have a traditional camera. A smartphone would work just as well." If walking isn't your jam, archery serves as another way to get gentle movement. Never tried it? Even better."Picking up a bow and arrows for the first time can give women a unique opportunity, and the 'newness' of this can help them really tune into themselves," Dr. MacBride says. "Archery requires breathwork, stillness and being grounded to the moment. Enjoy the 'thwip' of the release and the 'thunk' of the arrow meeting its target." "Puzzles engage the mind and can help create new neural networks, which is important as we age," Dr. Miller points puzzles are more than a potential piece to improving cognitive Hafeez loves the satisfaction women 50+ can gain from finishing each challenge and boasts that they provide entertainment and Trying to go big or go home is tempting, but that's (mercifully) not the vibe of slow living."Begin with a hobby that doesn't require a large time or financial commitment," Dr. Hafeez suggests. "A simple, low-pressure activity will help you ease into it without feeling overwhelmed." Whether you're learning a new skill or brushing the dust off an old hobby, don't expect to be a pro—at least not right away."Allow yourself to learn and grow at your own pace," Dr. Hafeez advises. Dr. MacBride stresses that failures are events, not people. "Slow living is about taking the pressure off, not putting it on," Dr. MacBride says. "These slow living ideas aren't supposed to complicate your life. It's supposed to be life-enhancing. So, if something doesn't turn out like you want, give yourself the grace to try again."Dr. Hafeez echoes these sentiments."It's normal to make mistakes or struggle in the beginning," Dr. Hafeez shares. "Don't be too hard on yourself." Empty-nesting and outliving close family and friends can put women over 50 at a higher risk of feeling isolated. Hobbies can provide a lifeline."Create a community around your new hobby," suggests Dr. MacBride. "Feed others, gift them with your creations or take a class. Using a new hobby as a way to meet and connect with others is at the core of slow living. Get out of the office and into your life." Up Next:Dr. Jan Miller, Ph.D., a Georgia-based licensed psychologist with Thriveworks Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Nature-based interventions for physical health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Research.
