Choosing Happiness

It is difficult to choose between self-respect and happiness at first but when the ideas are broken down we can see that self-respect is pursued in order to gain self satisfaction as well as the approval of others. When one respects themselves they are able to feel empowerment. Although this can be empowering, some people may take it too far by becoming prideful and not allowing others to get close to them. Self respect is an aspect of striving for happiness. Happiness entails much more understanding because when acting upon impulse in the pursuit of happiness it is frowned upon yet people are drawn to those who have made the choice to be happy above all. To find happiness means that there is room to accept one’s flaws therefore being open to being wrong and making mistakes is part of the journey of happiness. Although self respect is an aspect of happiness, on the other hand, events in which are not allowing an individual to respect themselves may be necessary in order for them to gain happiness. There should be space for an individual to put aside their pride and be able to become vulnerable in order to open themselves to another person. In successfully opening one’s self and letting go of self-respect at times when it is right can lead to happiness. If happiness is found, self-respect is secondary for the person already feels good about themselves and their life. Self respect is still needed in order to check with ourselves to make sure that the decisions that we are making are healthy for us and are the best for the current situation. If one lives by the principles of only respecting themselves, there is little room left for redemption whether it may be the respectable individual or someone that the individual encounters to challenge their level of self respect. If some who is concerned about only respecting themselves, there may be missed instances where risk was need to be taken in the pursuit of happiness. The idea that an individual is making choices to gain happiness is broader in its meaning due to the many aspects that entail being happy. It seems that self respect is about doing what is best for the self even at times when it is not the most desirable choice. Pursuing happiness allows individuals to do what makes them happy and still agrees to leave room for making mistakes in pursuing happiness. It is what is learned from these experiences that enable a person to value what makes them happy. This would be overlooked if there were no experiences to differentiate between the difference of unhappiness and happiness. Self respect only has one aspect in mind which can lead to unhappiness if forgiveness is the cost to achieving self respect. Without forgiveness, the respected individual is not on a state of happiness for they are not able to forgive others; therefore resentment is built up, not happiness. Although self respect is necessary at times, happiness is much more significant in a person’s life for it will serve them well as the spirit is uplifted when experiencing joy and happiness not just self respect.       

Willingness to Grow

Being open to others surrounding is essential to growth. If an individual completely blocks out other ideas, perspectives, and information they are only hindering their own personal ability to expand. To be open to new things is not to adopt or accept all those as your own. It only means that the person is able to understand and put themselves in the position outside of their own views. Wheatley states that there must be a “willingness to be disturbed” as individuals converse due to the openness created by the communicator that enables them to fully absorb the information given by the other person; meaning really listening. As each individual, in their personality, is unlike any other person there are some differences that will be uncovered between the communicators. One of my experiences that I have had recently was a conversation that I had with my brother. He attends church regularly and is an active participant in his religious community. This is different from when we were young because although we considered ourselves raised Catholic we stopped attending church at a young age. Now that I am older and can choose for myself what branch of faith to pursue, I have not done so. My brother feels that my curiosity and my rousing of questions means that I am ready to commit myself to an organization or begin doing y own research to build my faith. I recently took a philosophy of religion class to help me understand why faith is so important, its purpose in a person’s life and if faith is something created for individuals who seek it then what is the difference for those who do not seek. I want to know why I need religion before I begin to take action in thewhat I choose to pursue. I feel as though if I do not understand the purpose or the significance of an aspect in my life, I will not commit to the action. Our conversation began with a light treading on the subject as I mentioned things that I had learned in class. Soon the conversation went on a rollercoaster that although we were not raising our voices to one another, there was tension building because of the apparent differences between views. As we allowed time for the other person to talk while the other listened, I was able to understand that my brother had found something that truly allowed him to practice his faith and be happy. Now knowing that his beliefs have served him well in his life is the part in which he hopes to share with me because he cares and loves me. In turn he learned that my thoughts are not just to avoid commitment but that I am processing information that I need to know to build on my purpose at a pace that is right for me. At the end of our conversation we were able to respect one another’s perspectives and choices in this area while still maintaining our own separate, different views. In the process we not only learned how others may think in these two different positions but as well how we both have grown and the immense love and care among siblings that we hold of each other.  

Nonverbal Cues of Communication

Body Language is the package in which a message is sent in. The outward appearance will determine how the receiver of the message will approach the words of the message. The delivery of words through body language can completely change the meaning of the words being used so it is a significant portion of communication. Some nonverbal cues that I project to others while in a professional setting are by having my shoulders held back so that I can get enough oxygen drawn to my diaphragm. Many times when I am in front of a group of others, at times I begin to get nervous and speak faster so by displaying a good posture, I am able to confidently express my opinions and converse with others. I feel as though by keeping my head leveled and held high allows others to understand that the words that are being said are thought through and legitimate. While in front of my friends, my body language displays a bold and confidant self through the clothes and colors I choose to wear. I enjoy wearing feminine dresses that speak to other women when I walk as though I am self-assured. Although at times I may not feel certain of my assertiveness, by being aware of my body language and the vibes that I give off to others around, will influence the feedback that I receive. With this feedback I can reassure myself so that I begin to truly believe and exude confidence. As I mentioned before that my sense of fashion helps to express and give off certain vibes for the clothing that I choose are bold with vibrant colors. I choose to wear colorful clothing in order to become more attracting and therefore more approachable by others. The facial expressions that are most influencing, I believe would be eye contact and smiling. This lets others know that they are being noticed through gaining eye contact with them and when smiling, it can be contagious. Others want to feel that they are receiving energy from others, not being drained. A smile is a simple way to communicate self assurance and welcoming vibes. The mental attitude has a heavy influence on the vibes that are being communicated to others. If someone has a poor attitude about how they are feeling or their surroundings this will also be communicated in their walk; it may be slower, in their posture; maybe they are slouching as well as in their facial expressions; they may be avoiding eye contact or looking down at the ground. All of these nonverbal cues leave room for others to doubt and feel uncertain as to what is communicated between themselves and a person with a negative attitude. Not to mention that because it is not attracting, people will tend to shine away. The mental state or attitude is where the conscious self can begin to take control of their nonverbal communication. 

Globalization of the English Language

Globalization of English has a significant impact on language by the ways its usage of words and meanings are becoming altered and utilized by many different cultures. The English language is expanding due to the more participants of the language. There are many reasons why people of different cultures are taking up English as a second language for its benefits in trade, commerce, and technology. These are areas in which hold and have influence over an individual’s financial future for they are the aspects that are growing with value among the English speaking world. Referring to “Not the Queen’s English” claims that all computer books are written in English. Therefore, much of the beneficial information is limited to others that do not know the language. As English continues to evolve and advance, it forms and molds into the English that is needed by its environment. People of new generations to come pick up where the past generations left off and carry on ideas, traditions, technology as well as language. The only way to carry something on is if it serves the needs of the people. That is the reason that all things, including English will eventually, in our time period, and continually throughout the endless time frame of others, evolve in ways that best fit the needs of the utilizers. As it has been seen that people of different cultures and different backgrounds have already made significant efforts to learn the language in efforts to participate in the beneficial opportunities. Many jobs are making English a requirement for the reason that there is a larger market pool of English speakers than in any other language. As English is globalizing and a variety of cultures are picking up this language, there becomes a new blend of languages depending on the dialect and voice pitches heard in different accents. There has already been a widely known concept of “spanglish” as the Spanish speaking culture is combining with English speaking cultures. This idea of two languages combined together is going to globalize furthermore as generations continue to become bilingual. This has an effect on how language will be used. The combination of English and other languages may be used in informal settings and formal diction will be considered what we consider informal today. Globalization of the English language will continue to depict changes in the usage and meaning of words by modern day people.   

Selection in Language

I will be reviewing the differences between three person’s perspectives of the outfit that I am wearing currently in order to exemplify how selection has an impact on the information that each individual takes in according to their own personal interests. The perspectives will be among an artist, a tailor, and a nudist. I am wearing a capris-like blue tights with a long, brown sleeveless tunic and a long bright, magenta pink vest over the tunic. The tights reach down to just below the knee and the tunic, as well as the vest, reach down about mid thigh. An artist may pay closer attention to the color scheme of the neutral blue and brown hues against the vibrant magenta. Also, the perspective of an artist will have interest in how the clothing flows away from the body in its length. The idea of making the clothing seem appealing is by its structure of soft lines and fluidity in movement. The outfit can be considered attractive by the shape, colors, textures, and movements. The diction that could be chosen by the artist to describe the outfit may be “contrasting” and “fluid”. If this same outfit were to be viewed through the eyes of a tailor, there may be many errors in the right fitting of the clothing against my body type. Their perspective will be emphasized on the lines and curves of the material. Their interest would be on the measurable sizing of the different pieces of clothing. The capris-like tights may be seen at too tight; therefore needing to alter the fitting so that the tights will look more like comfortable fitting capri pants. There would not be much detail on the color palette of the outfit. Their attention will be on the sizing, shapes, and cut of the clothing. When describing the outfit, the tailor may use wording such as “loose-fitting”, “formless”, and ill-defining.” A nudist may have a perspective driven with the idea of less clothing to be more flattering to the shape of the body. The “flowing” appeal to the artist may look like too much material to the nudist. Their concentration would be on the simplification of the outfit. Also, the bright magenta may be too extreme or animated for a nudist. They may be more attracted to the neutral color toned palette of just the brown and the blue shades. Their overall effort would be to minimize each article of clothing. To a nudist, it may seem better to wear shorts with a shirt and vest that reach the hip. In their description, their focus may be on how oversized the outfit is. For example, they may use terms such as “baggy”, “shapeless”, and “voluminous” when describing my outfit. The differences in each person’s perspective will be looking at the aspects of the outfit in which appeal to their areas of interest. Therefore, each description is made up of the features in which they select being that these are areas that they are most knowledgeable about.  

Freedom in Language

 The experiences from Malcom X and Helen Keller regarding using language as a freeing experience is understandable because language is a set system that is universally used in order to convey thoughts and express wants, desires, and needs. Without being part of this system, people such as Malcom X and Helen Keller are left out from the sources others use in order to express themselves. Malcom X gained power through his experience of becoming literate. He could not have portrayed the magnitude of his thoughts in the struggle to take action for African Americans. By having access to this language, he is able to be heard by others of the opposing side in order to have views heard. Hellen Keller was able to use language as a means to communicate with any of the world. Being cut off from all communication, her low functionality is what prohibited her from being able to gather meaning in all her surroundings. She was limited by the feeling of having other pass her by but there were no ways of communicating what was happening before she had lessons from Mrs. Sullivan. When Hellen broke her doll and pieces flew everywhere, she felt content and glad that she did that in order to communicate her frustration. After she realized what her teacher had been trying to explain to her, she was freed from her inability to understand as she felt sorrow after realizing that she was lacking comprehension of what Mrs. Sullivan was trying to communicate earlier. In my own experience as a child, I had an older sister that would at time not allow me to express myself and get my point across. Frustration would build up inside of me and it was as though I felt captive by not being able to express my thoughts or feelings. It felt freeing when I finally was able to gain better diction in order to describe and in better detail, explain my thoughts. I felt as though I was finally being heard. Also, now working with children with autism, some within the spectrum of a speech impediment or low verbal skills, it is difficult to function properly when there is a barrier in communication. Although pictures and words are shown for the basic needs, there is still a level of expression that is left out. This expression may have a lot to do with the feeling of love and other emotions in which are not describable as tangible objects are. When a want or desire is unable to be communicated to the level of being able to be understandable to the communicative partner, there is a metaphorical sensation of being barred. Not having this freedom can be extremely complicating to someone who has the thought process and understands what is going around them but their voice is discredited by others who have may not be aware of what this other person feels. There is a degree of freedom in language that enables some to fully request for what they desire. This freedom is felt after experiencing the limitations of an under developed vocabulary.  

What Makes Them Credible

Critical thinking means to me that I will not allow one outside source to be the only basis of information that I seek. All information should be cross referenced in order to hold a piece of information as credible. My own personal habits when it comes to thinking critically are when I come across an interesting piece of information that I want to form an opinion on. Almost automatically, I begin to ask question to find out who said what and what makes them credible. Also, I usually want to know what other people think about it in order to see the differences and commonalities between people that may be a driving force in believing certain claims. Then, I check to see if the source is credible by looking up educational sites online or I check various forms of media. By just listening to different radio stations or watching different news channels, I get a broader meaning on an issue. When reading, I immediately look to see who the author is and get information on their background. Many times, a person’s opinion is well formulated as a reflection of the events that took place in their lifetime or significant events that could have changed them. I tend to apply critical thinking to most areas in my life; especially when it comes to politics. I see politics as a run to get the popular vote. Some politicians may say vague comments in order to mislead what their purpose truly is. I do not tend to base my opinions on commercials that are funded by an organization that has incentive by a certain party or politician. I am mostly open to different ideas as well as different interpretations but they must be backed up by evidence or statistical consistency. I enjoy critiquing the media because many times, the guidelines that are projected are reflections of how controlled and manipulated our society is. Social norms are based on what popular society agrees to be defined by any given term to separate others. This unconsciously can affect many people in negative ways. Some other areas that I do not typically think about critically are about scholarly work. I find that I think to myself that someone else has done the research for me to provide evidence that a certain idea has been proven true. I expect this class to encourage me to do my own research in scholarly sources and to sharpen my ability to ask myself questions in order to answer with a good foundation of credibility. I may view the world differently by forming opinions on topics and issues that I know enough factual information in order to voice myself and become a person in the knowing of today’s controversies. I, as an individual, will be able to look pasted biased information and play a more engaged and active role as a citizen as well as a more well-rounded person with a spectrum of perspectives. The world would be a better place if there was some sort of filtration from all the opinions dumped on individuals.