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.