Certified trainer to use Winnie the Pooh characters in analyzing personalities

By JILL SHERMAN, DAILY SUN

Sunday, June 7, 2009 1:01 PM EDT

THE VILLAGES — “What is Your Pooh-sonality?”

That is the title of an upcoming Special Speakers series presentation offered through The Villages Lifelong Learning College.

Karen Whiting, a certified personality trainer, will help each audience member figure out what Winnie the Pooh series characters — Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit or Eeyore — they most parallel, personality-wise.

“It’s more fun to learn about ourselves and others through looking at such lovable characters,” said Whiting, who lives in Grasonville, Md. “Pooh and (his) friends exemplify ... four temperaments well and serve as great examples.”

Additionally, the audience will learn how to apply what they know about their Pooh-sonalities to their everyday lives and relationships.

“What is Your Pooh-sonality?” is planned for 6 p.m. June 25 at Paradise Recreation Center. Tickets cost $3 for TVLLC patrons, $8 for Villages residents and $13 for the general public, and are available through TVLLC.

Audience members will examine their own strengths and weaknesses in order to determine their Pooh-sonalities.

Whiting said she feels her Pooh-sonality combines Rabbit and Eeyore.

“I can easily lead and organize things like Rabbit,” she said, “but I also analyze life, reflect on things, and sometimes see life in the more melancholy view of Eeyore.”

When asked why she does not use Dr. Seuss or Peanuts characters as references for pinpointing personalities, Whiting said characters from the Winnie the Pooh series are simply ideal for this purpose.

“Dr. Seuss has more- and less-developed characters, so that doesn’t really work,” she said. “Peanuts could be used, but those are glimpsed through short comic strips and not as fully developed, either. Pooh’s story lengths provide ample development of each character and plenty of examples.”

“What is Your Pooh-sonality?” could be part of a fun girls’ night out. But the presentation is designed for both men and women of all ages.

“I have found people of all ages enjoy this,” Whiting said. “When I spoke in Russia, even the men there got excited.”

Whiting, a mother of five, is also an author whose audiences range from women to families and children. Her most popular books are inspirational craft books for girls ages 9-12.

Call TVLLC at 753-3035 for information about “What is Your Pooh-sonality?”

Jill Sherman is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be contacted at 753-1119, ext. 9253, or jill.sherman@thevillagesmedia.com.