01
Cultivating Resilience:
Growing Together Through Life's
Challenges
As we navigate through the highs and lows of life, we inevitably face rough patches that put our
resilience and inner strength to test. Today, I invite you to embark on a journey with me, one that
explores the art of cultivating resilience in the face of these challenging times.
Resilience, an elusive yet essential quality, is not a trait one is simply born with; rather, a skill that we can
foster and develop. In times of uncertainty and adversity, our resilience becomes a guiding light,
oering a steadfast foundation upon which we can build our strength.
Picture resilience as a garden within us, one that requires intentional care and cultivation. Like any
garden, it thrives when tended to with mindfulness and purpose.
One vital aspect is the acknowledgment of our emotions. In embracing our feelings, we lay the
groundwork for resilience. Equally crucial is the power of perspective. Resilience often sprouts from our
ability to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. The adversity we face today might just be the
fertile ground for tomorrow's strength. It's a shift in mindset that transforms obstacles into stepping
stones, paving the way for personal evolution.
Community too, plays a pivotal role in this resilience cultivation. In challenging times, the support of
those around us becomes a wellspring of strength. Sharing our burdens, seeking solace in connection,
and oering support in return create a resilient network that sustains us through turbulent times.
Dear readers, let us embark on this exploration together, cultivating resilience as a shared endeavor.
May our collective resilience ourish like a garden in full bloom.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce the newest addition to our family, Prof. Dr.
Shabbir Rana, who has joined us as the new faculty member of the Center for Well-Being and Positive
Psychology.
We extend a warm welcome to Prof. Dr. Shabbir Rana, whose wealth of experience and expertise in the
eld promises to elevate our center to new heights. We are thrilled to have him on board and look
forward to the positive impact his addition will undoubtedly bring to our community.
The faculty of the Center for Well-Being and Positive Psychology expresses its enthusiasm for this new
chapter and eagerly anticipates the collaborative eorts that will undoubtedly contribute towards the
growth and success of our center.
Prof. Dr. Shabbir Rana, we are condent that your skills and dedication will greatly benet our shared
mission of fostering well-being and positive psychology. Your presence is a valuable addition to our
team, and we are eager to embark on this journey together.
Ms. Amna has exemplied exceptional
compassion and dedication in her role, standing
out as one of the most empathetic counselors
within our community.
Ms. Amna's unique ability to listen attentively
provides students with a safe space to express
their thoughts and concerns openly. Her
genuine interest and commitment to
understanding the students' perspectives create
an environment where they feel heard and
supported.
In her role as a counselor, Ms. Amna goes above
and beyond, oering guidance and being a
consistent presence for students in times of
need. Her unwavering commitment to their
well-being truly makes a positive impact on their
academic and personal journeys.
Additionally, as a Soft Skills lecturer, Ms. Amna's
lectures are not just informative but also
inspiring. Her wealth of knowledge is
complemented by a genuine desire to see
students grow not only academically but also in
their interpersonal skills. She seamlessly
integrates compassion into her teachings,
fostering an environment where students can
ourish.
We express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Amna for
her outstanding contributions to our
community. Her dedication to nurture both the
academic and emotional growth of our students
truly makes her a deserving recipient of the
Counselor of the Month award.
We are condent that Ms. Amna Saleems
unwavering commitment to the well being and
growth of our students will continue to leave an
incredible mark on our educational community.
May her ongoing journey as a counselor and Soft
Skills lecturer be as rewarding and fullling as
the positive impact she has made on the life of
others.
Congratulations once again, Ms. Amna!
The Center for Well-Being and Positive Psychology in collaboration with Mr. Urooj Samdhani, HOD, Film and TV Department of
School of Digital and Cinematic Art is excited to announce the launch of a new YouTube show named "Mind Matters." Join us on
the channel for the debut episode, featuring a conversation between Ms. Amna and Ms. Mahwish, two clinical psychologists, from
the Center, delving into the themes of "Me Time" and "Self-Love." Don't miss out on this insightful dialogue!
Federally Chartered
Degree Awarding Institute
Recognized by Higher Education Commission (HEC)
NEWSLETTER
VOL-1 | ISSUE-5 | DECEMBER 2023
CENTER FOR WELL BEING AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
BY EDITOR: YUMNA.QURESHI@bybrod.com
This Award is
for YOU!
Counselor of
the Month
AMNA.SALEEM@bybrod.com
AMNA SALEEM
Mind Matters:
Unveiling Insights on 'Me Time' and 'Self-Love' with the Center for
Well-Being and Positive Psychology
Embracing Positive Change
Welcoming Prof. Dr. Shabbir Rana as New
Faculty Member of the Center for
Well-Being and Positive Psychology
0202
In the pursuit of overall wellness, one cannot overlook the integral role that emotional well-being plays
in shaping our lives. This aspect of health, often underestimated, has profound implications on our
outlook, relationships, and, perhaps most signicantly, our physical well-being. The National Institutes
Book Recommendation:
Drive: The Surprising Truth about What
Motivates Us
Life can be tough sometimes. It throws
problems at us that seem really hard to handle.
But you know what? Facing these problems can
actually help us nd happiness in the end.
When we go through tough times, it's like a test.
It makes us stronger and helps us learn
important things. Imagine someone having
money problems. It's really stressful and tough.
But dealing with this teaches them how to
manage money better. They become more
creative in nding solutions and learn to
appreciate success more. In the end, they not
only x their money problems but also feel really
proud of themselves.
Relationships can also be hard. Arguments and
disputes can make us really sad. But going
through these tough times helps us understand
ourselves and others better. It helps us build
better and happier relationships in the future.
Sometimes, our jobs don't go well. We might fail
or face big challenges. But these tough times
The Center for Well Being at IAC has proven to be an invaluable sanctuary for students navigating the
complexities of university and personal life. It serves as a safe haven where students can openly discuss
their daily challenges with trusted counselors. The Well Being Center goes beyond the traditional
academic role, actively supporting students in managing stress and overcoming various hurdles they
encounter. The counselors are not just available but approachable, always ready to lend a helping
hand. Their attentive listening and personalized guidance equip students with practical tools to
eectively tackle the issues they face. The Well Being Center is undeniably a pillar of support, fostering
a nurturing environment for students to thrive.
In my opinion all educational institutions must integrate well-being centers, acknowledging them as
essential resources in cultivating a supportive environment that is vital for the holistic growth and
success of students.
Drive" by Daniel Pink delves into the psychology of motivation, challenging traditional views and
introducing three main concepts: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Pink argues that these elements
are essential for fostering intrinsic motivation and achieving higher performance.
Autonomy is the desire to direct our own lives. Pink emphasizes the importance of giving individuals
the freedom to make choices, fostering creativity and ownership. Mastery involves the pursuit of
continuous improvement and the satisfaction of becoming better at something. Purpose, the third
element, is the desire to contribute to something greater than oneself, linking personal endeavors to a
larger meaning.
Quoting Pink, "Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement." This encapsulates the
core idea that autonomy, allowing individuals to have control over their work, leads to a more engaged
and motivated workforce. Another notable quote is, "The richest experiences in our lives aren't when
we're clamoring for validation from others, but when we're listening to our own voice." This
underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation and personal fulllment.
Drive" is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom about motivation. By
highlighting the importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, Daniel Pink provides a roadmap for
fostering a more motivated and engaged workforce. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or
someone seeking personal development, this book oers valuable insights into what truly drives
human behavior.
The Path to
Happiness: Embracing
Struggles as Catalysts
for Growth
AYESHA.PERVEZ@bybrod.com
AYESHA PERVEZ
Student
Testimonial
“Problems are a part of life. They
will always be there. Don't focus on
the problems, focus on the lessons
they teach you."
Nouman Ali Khan
“Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous,
self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is
liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.
Daniel Pink
"In the tapestry of life, Emotional well-being weaves the threads
of happiness, purpose, and good health into a masterpiece.
Anonymous
Emotional Well-being and its Relation
to Health
RIDA.BIBI@bybrod.com
RIDA BIBI
of Health (NIH) recognizes the importance of
emotional well-being, emphasizing its impact
on daily functioning. Interestingly, this
perspective echoes the World Health
Organization's comprehensive denition of
health, dating back to 1947, which identies
health as a state of complete physical, mental,
and social well-being.
According to the NIH, emotional well-being is
not merely a subjective experience; it holds
tangible consequences for how individuals
navigate and perform their daily tasks. This
acknowledgment underscores the
interconnectedness of emotional health with
overall functionality. Beyond the absence of
disease, a person's emotional state signicantly
inuences their ability to engage with the world,
make decisions, and foster meaningful
connections with others.
As we age, the interplay between psychological
well-being and health becomes even more
evident. Psychological well-being is a
multidimensional concept, comprising
evaluative well-being, hedonic well-being, and
eudemonic well-being. Evaluative well-being
pertains to life satisfaction, hedonic well-being
involves our emotional experiences, and
eudemonic well-being relates to nding
purpose and meaning in life. These dimensions
are not isolated; they weave together to
inuence overall health, particularly in older age
groups.
teach us how to keep trying and adapt. We learn
new things and discover what we're really good
at. So, even though it's tough, it leads us to
better jobs that makes us happier in the end.
Happiness isn't just about not having any
problems. It's about facing the problems and
learning from them. Every problem we face ends
up teaching us something important. These
tough times make us stronger, kinder, and more
aware of ourselves.
Life is like a big storybook, and problems are like
the exciting parts that make the story
interesting. They help us grow and change into
better people. So, when life gets tough,
remember, it's just a stepping stone to nding
real happiness.
FIZA IJAZ
IDONTKNOWMYNAME.FI@GMAIL.COM
AQSA SHABBIR
AQSA.SHABBIR@bybrod.com
03
Life can be tough sometimes. It throws
problems at us that seem really hard to handle.
But you know what? Facing these problems can
actually help us nd happiness in the end.
When we go through tough times, it's like a test.
It makes us stronger and helps us learn
important things. Imagine someone having
money problems. It's really stressful and tough.
But dealing with this teaches them how to
manage money better. They become more
creative in nding solutions and learn to
appreciate success more. In the end, they not
only x their money problems but also feel really
proud of themselves.
Relationships can also be hard. Arguments and
disputes can make us really sad. But going
through these tough times helps us understand
ourselves and others better. It helps us build
better and happier relationships in the future.
Sometimes, our jobs don't go well. We might fail
or face big challenges. But these tough times
"The true mark of a believer is
when you nd strength in your
struggles, peace in your prayers,
and comfort in your faith."
Mufti Menk
"The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings,
by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."
William James
Fostering Collaboration:
Exploring New Avenues with Enablers for
Professional Development
Food for thought
The Center for Well-Being and Positive
Psychology recently engaged in a
productive meeting with representatives
from Enablers. In this collaborative session,
the Enablers team proposed an initiative
where the Center would conduct
specialized sessions to elevate the
professionalism of their team by focusing
on the development of essential soft skills
as the center is already successfully
teaching specialized soft skills courses at
IAC. Moreover, they put forth the idea of
introducing concise freelancing courses at
IAC, tailored to cater to students' interests and aligned with practical skills for online earning.
Both parties also shared a mutual interest in co-creating a comprehensive course that combines soft
skills with freelancing. Recognizing the importance of communication skills, there was a specic
proposal to develop a course addressing this area, aimed at enhancing the communication prociency
of women managing small businesses or engaging in online platforms, facilitating smoother
interactions with clients.
The Center for Well-Being and Positive Psychology expressed genuine enthusiasm for Enablers'
proposals and looks forward to future collaborative endeavors.
Faculty of Center for Well Being and Positive Psychology pictured
alongside the delegation from Enablers
Image Pending
Adaptability, a key quality in navigating life's
twists and turns, signicantly inuences
individuals' daily experiences. Picture it as a
superpower that helps you handle surprises and
adjust to changes smoothly. When life throws
unexpected challenges, adaptable people don't
get confused; they nd new ways to tackle
problems.
This exibility isn't just about coping; it's a
game-changer. Adaptable individuals have a
unique ability to stay cool under pressure,
guring out solutions and keeping a sense of
control. This adaptability also brings a positive
impact on emotions, reducing stress and
boosting overall well-being.
Think of it as a toolbox for life – being adaptable
means you're always ready to learn and add new
tools. This approach becomes especially handy
in both work and personal life. At work, it might
open doors to new opportunities, while in
personal life, it helps maintain a positive outlook
even when things are uncertain.
In a nutshell, adaptability is more than just a skill;
it's a mindset that empowers you to steer your
life with condence, even when the road is a bit
bumpy. So, embrace adaptability as your ally in
this journey of life, making every twist and turn a
chance to grow and thrive.
Embrace Change,
Boost Well-Being:
The Adaptive
Mindset Revolution
AYESHA.HAIDER@IAC.EDU.PK
AYESHA HAIDER
Cultivating Cultural Responsiveness:
Insights from the Faculty Development
Program Session
During the recent session of the Center for Well-Being and Positive Psychology's Faculty
Development Program, Ms. Sameeha from the School of Digital and Cinematic Art shed light on the
essential topic of cultivating cultural responsiveness in teaching. Her presentation was thoughtfully
organized into two segments: the "Do's" and "Don'ts." Under the "Do's," Ms. Sameeha emphasized the
importance of values such as punctuality, truth, trust, honesty, loyalty, sincerity, responsibility,
sympathy, empathy, and supporting and adapting to change. On the other side, the "Don'ts" included
recommendations to steer clear of manipulation, backbiting, leg-pulling, comparison, jealousy, and
rage. Ms. Sameeha encouraged a professional approach, suggesting that ignoring negative behaviors
and aligning our actions with these guidelines is crucial for deriving genuine benets from the
Faculty Development Program.
Ms. Sameeha not only provided insights on cultural responsiveness but also shared her experiences
from RUBIKA France. She highlighted the punctuality of teachers at RUBIKA, emphasizing their strict
adherence to rules and regulations. Teachers at RUBIKA are dedicated to their classes, prioritizing
uninterrupted teaching time. Ms. Sameeha commended their commitment, noting that they don't
leave the classroom for any reason, ensuring a focused learning environment. She also praised the
teachers' proactive approach in taking initiatives to assist and support every student, maintaining a
conducive atmosphere for learning.
Ms. Sameeha shedding light on the topic of Cultivating
Cultural Responsiveness in teaching
Dedicated faculty posing at the end of a successful Faculty
Development Program Session.
Image Pending
teach us how to keep trying and adapt. We learn
new things and discover what we're really good
at. So, even though it's tough, it leads us to
better jobs that makes us happier in the end.
Happiness isn't just about not having any
problems. It's about facing the problems and
learning from them. Every problem we face ends
up teaching us something important. These
tough times make us stronger, kinder, and more
aware of ourselves.
Life is like a big storybook, and problems are like
the exciting parts that make the story
interesting. They help us grow and change into
better people. So, when life gets tough,
remember, it's just a stepping stone to nding
real happiness.
It is not the strongest of the species
that survives, nor the most intelligent,
but the one most responsive to change.
Charles Darwin
Editor:
Yumna Qureshi
Lecturer
Assistant Editor:
Ayesha Haider
Lecturer
Design Department:
School of Art
EDITORIAL BOARD
(042) 32590040 | https://bybrod.com
7.5 Km from Thokar Niaz Baig,
Main Raiwind Road, Lahore.
CONTACT
@iacofficials
04
Affirmation Mirror Exercise
READERS ACTIVITY
Dear Counselor,
what strategies can I employ to foster
greater openness to change and
adaptability in my life?
Dear Reader,
In fostering greater openness to change and
adaptability, incorporating mindfulness
practices into your daily routine is key. By
staying present and developing a
non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts
and emotions, you create a foundation for
navigating transitions. Additionally, take time to
reect on any limiting beliefs or thought
patterns that might impede adaptability.
Challenge and reframe these beliefs to foster a
more exible mindset. Building a supportive
network is equally essential; surrounding
yourself with friends, family, or colleagues who
oer encouragement and diverse perspectives
can signicantly contribute to your ability to
adapt.
Remember, the journey towards greater
openness involves gradual shifts, so be patient
and compassionate with yourself throughout
the process.
Keywords:
Positivity, Self-armation, Empowerment, Reection
Time: 10 minutes
Goal:
Foster self-empowerment, enhance self-esteem, and cultivate a positive mindset. This simple yet
impactful exercise encourages participants to internalize armations, promoting a more optimistic
and resilient outlook on themselves and their abilities.
Instructions:
Stand in front of a mirror, take a deep breath, and maintain eye contact with yourself. Repeat positive
armations aloud, focusing on self-love, strengths, and resilience. Use phrases like "I am capable," "I
embrace challenges," or "I radiate condence." Feel free to customize armations based on personal
goals.
Dear Counselor:
How do I?
Exploring Emotions Through Expression: A Soft
Skills Journey
Fostering Leadership Through Focus:
A Memorable Soft Skills
Activity
ALIBHULLARPK@GMAIL.COM
In a soft skills and personality development class led by Ms. Aqsa, I was tasked with organizing an
activity centered around leadership. Excitement lled the room as I introduced a unique exercise
requiring students to stand facing each other with a cup placed in between. The objective was simple:
focus on the cup. Participants were directed to touch various parts of their bodies, and when the word
"cup" was uttered, they had to grab it. The one holding the cup at that moment would be declared the
winner.
This interactive activity not only brought laughter and enjoyment but also left us with lasting
memories. The choice of this exercise was intentional, aiming to highlight the importance of focus and
goal-oriented behavior in leadership. By navigating the challenges of the task, students experienced
rsthand the qualities necessary for eective leadership. The positive atmosphere created during the
activity fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork amongst the participants, contributing to an
overall enriching experience.
In the Introduction to Soft Skills course, students are assigned an important task centered around the
recognition of emotions within their surroundings. The task involves creating personalized emotion
journals where students keenly observe, identify, and express their feelings through pictures captured
from their immediate environment. This activity not only fosters emotional intelligence but also
cultivates an awareness of the subtle nuances of human emotions in diverse settings. By documenting
their emotional experiences through visual storytelling, students enhance their ability to perceive and
understand emotions, both in themselves and others. The journals serve as reective tools,
encouraging students to develop a deeper connection with their emotional landscape while honing
their soft skills in observation, interpretation, and expression. This innovative approach integrates
practical application with theoretical learning, providing students with a holistic understanding of the
pivotal role emotions play in eective communication and interpersonal relationships
ALI HASSAN