About Reflecting Strengths
Book Audio Book Workbook
Beginning with an inspired lesson from teens in foster care (and some giant sequoias), this collection explores ideas ranging from the power of intention and the role of our perceptions to themes of self-image, resiliency, expectations, authenticity, the language of strengths, improvisational parenting, giving ourselves a break and the power of one.
Collectively, they are an inspired and personal short-course on shifting our focus from fixing what is wrong to growing what is right. Separately, they are daily meditations, discussion starters, training tools and a reminder that "where we focus, grows."
Available as a beautifully bound book or as an audio CD, read by the author. Accompanying Workbook now available.
$ 7.95 - pdf eBook download
$ 7.95 - mp3 download
$15.95 - Beautifully bound book
$15.95 - Audiobook CD
$25.95 - Book & CD combo
$29.00 - $49 packages. See details.
Volume pricing available. See order page.
See below to view contents and to view/listen to sample chapters.
Tell me more about Reflecting Strengths: the Workbook
including a preview
Book & Audiobook Contents
- Introduction
- Bring it on!
- Your beautiful children
- Treat me "as if"
- It takes time to change my mind
- But she's so passive!
- What if you didn't know my past?
- If only you knew why
- What about the negative stuff?
- Incredibly powerful… and absolutely powerless
- Who's in a rut?
- Parenting is like jazz?
- Here's the deal (view pdf) (Listen)
- The power of "and"
- What do you want?
- Do you believe?
- The power of one
- Who believed in Ray?
- Everyone wins
- Saying goodbye well
- Give yourself a break!
- Life's little miracles (Listen)
- Closing and resources
Workbook Contents
a note from the author
about this workbook (View now)
- why focus on strengths? (View now)
- what are "strengths"?
- embrace paradox
- embrace the person in front of you
- FOCUS & become an alternate mirror
- be a strengths detective
- ask… then teach them right back
- name the strengths… specifically, authentically, effectively
- while holding them accountable
- what do you mean, it's all about me?
- now join the improvisation
- yea, but...
- as you begin to see with new eyes
Addendum I: Additional articles by Chris Trout
Addendum II: Additional resources from SIF
What people are saying about Reflecting Strengths
“What a gift! From the first words ("bring it on!") to the last ("and we thrive"), Chris speaks with an authenticity and insight that can only come from having walked the talk. I wish every adult who parents, cares for and supports young people - and everyone who has known adversity - could experience the inspiration, the insights, and the sense of hope that fills this book. Inspired!”
Misty Stenslie
Deputy Director
Foster Care Alumni of America
“I'm listening to Reflecting Strengths in my office right now. It's clear to me that EVERY juvenile probation officer in the world needs to hear this CD. I plan to incorporate it into my new employee orientation.”
Steve Nesky
Treatment Coordinator
Coconino County Juvenile Court,
Flagstaff, Arizona
"Reflecting Strengths is such a powerful twist on how we look at and interact with our youth. I use the stories as conversation starters at weekly staff meetings. Looking at these reflections and talking about them in relation to the children we work with brings new life and energy into our daily interactions with them. Reflecting Strengths is a "must read" for anyone who has relationships with kids, no matter what age."
Diane Hancock
Child Care Administrator
Windham, Maine