I'm so excited to see how the World Cup unfolds ... I just watched a clip on the news about how it is uniting South Africa. I find it incredible to think that sport holds so much power.
I've been listening to a lot of community members talk about community assets and memorable experiences where they felt connected and a lot are around sports. Building the local rink or playground, participating in community soccer leagues, going for nightly walks in the community were highlights in a lot of people's lives.
The potential of sport to contribute to the development of a better world is under-recognized...one day we'll finally get it.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Graduation Day!!
I guess I hit an official "adulthood" milestone today -- Convocation.
It was quite the experience. I had been hesitant to attend...my thoughts on the whole thing were that it was an artificial construction -- an opportunity for us to pat ourselves on the back for perpetuating inequalities that exist within society. Although there are some traditions that are a bit archaic, it was quite the 'uplifing' day. More later!
It was quite the experience. I had been hesitant to attend...my thoughts on the whole thing were that it was an artificial construction -- an opportunity for us to pat ourselves on the back for perpetuating inequalities that exist within society. Although there are some traditions that are a bit archaic, it was quite the 'uplifing' day. More later!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Ready to be inspired!
I learned three really good lessons these past few days that have contributed to my inner happiness revolution/journey to embracing imperfection.
1) Just try
2) Be open for inspiration
3) Think everyone is coming from a positive place
--------------------------------
1) Just Try: I don't think I finished off that blog post where I talked about my dentist appointment and how fantastic it was. Well, following our discussion about how girls and women sometimes internalize the weight of the world, I come to my car and there's a parking ticket. I had parked in a lot that was right next to another parking company lot and purchased the ticket from the dispenser nearest my car, which was from the other lot. I had no idea there was more than one parking company Impark is too well publicized!! I was being incredibly hard on myself...then rememberd the whole conversation I had just had with my dentist about sometimes failing to really see the magnitude of mistakes...i.e., a $50 ticket is not the end of the world. Well, as it turns out, I called the company and explained my situation. The woman on the phone was fantastic, and said that it is unfortunate that happened and offered to cancel my ticket! I had walked into the conversation thinking that the "parking company" was out to get me and would be unwilling to help me out, and in the end they were more than pleasant. ... this experience helped me out with number 3 of my "learnings".
2) Be open for inspiration: I attended this "interesting" public lecture on the future of Alberta. There were some 'issues' that I won't go into about a lot of what was presented, but one thing that I got out of it was a quote from this woman who said that we all should be open to inspiration from everyone we are in contact with. It just resonated with me... when you enter conversations and relationships with a willingness to learn from the other individual and with an appreciation for what they can offer, you 'live'. I think the world would be a much better place if we all put aside our preconceived notions of others and were willing to let them inspire us. We can have differences in opinions, but I believe we all have something of value to share.
3)Approach situations as if everyone is coming from a positive place ... instead of thinking people will be overly critical, try to think of them as just trying to help. It will definitely make a difference on my everyday outlook. It's uplifting to think that people are working with you and not against you... It goes a long with be open for inspiration. :)
1) Just try
2) Be open for inspiration
3) Think everyone is coming from a positive place
--------------------------------
1) Just Try: I don't think I finished off that blog post where I talked about my dentist appointment and how fantastic it was. Well, following our discussion about how girls and women sometimes internalize the weight of the world, I come to my car and there's a parking ticket. I had parked in a lot that was right next to another parking company lot and purchased the ticket from the dispenser nearest my car, which was from the other lot. I had no idea there was more than one parking company Impark is too well publicized!! I was being incredibly hard on myself...then rememberd the whole conversation I had just had with my dentist about sometimes failing to really see the magnitude of mistakes...i.e., a $50 ticket is not the end of the world. Well, as it turns out, I called the company and explained my situation. The woman on the phone was fantastic, and said that it is unfortunate that happened and offered to cancel my ticket! I had walked into the conversation thinking that the "parking company" was out to get me and would be unwilling to help me out, and in the end they were more than pleasant. ... this experience helped me out with number 3 of my "learnings".
2) Be open for inspiration: I attended this "interesting" public lecture on the future of Alberta. There were some 'issues' that I won't go into about a lot of what was presented, but one thing that I got out of it was a quote from this woman who said that we all should be open to inspiration from everyone we are in contact with. It just resonated with me... when you enter conversations and relationships with a willingness to learn from the other individual and with an appreciation for what they can offer, you 'live'. I think the world would be a much better place if we all put aside our preconceived notions of others and were willing to let them inspire us. We can have differences in opinions, but I believe we all have something of value to share.
3)Approach situations as if everyone is coming from a positive place ... instead of thinking people will be overly critical, try to think of them as just trying to help. It will definitely make a difference on my everyday outlook. It's uplifting to think that people are working with you and not against you... It goes a long with be open for inspiration. :)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Where do I fit in?
The big question. This actually reminds me of a song we sang in choir when I was in grade 4 and 5.
CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE
1. The sun is only a star, around that star we spin.
But there are many other star; where do we fit in?
I am only a grain of sand tossed by water and wind
But there are many grains of sand; where do I fit in?
(Refrain)
Child of the universe, let your spirit fly.
You are the special one, and here's the reason why,
You're a child of the universe, so climb your mountains high.
You are the chosen one to try and touch the sky.
2.Tell me, what can I aim for in a world that's quickly changing?
Tell me what my purpose is; where do I fit in?
Shall I follow a dream? Or are dreams just made for children?
Well all of us are children now. That's where I fit in.
(Refrain)
-----------------------
It's quite the question. I sometimes feel lost. I'm 22 years old in such a huge world. I've been told I have a "promising future", but what does that really mean? What makes someone hold more 'promise' than someone else? And really? Are we just saying that I measure up to some "ideal" that we arbitrarily set. Hmm... I wonder why a certain portion of the population seem to be showing more promise than other demographics?
On another note, I've been thinking about how nice it would be to have a "concrete role". I'm forming my "adult" identity while in a role with a very vague job description. I think what I miss is structure. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. It's great how it isn't confined (for the most part) by the conventions of today's world...there's so much room for out of the box. It just would be nice to have one part of my life stable. I know it's incredibly selfish and I have a lot more stability in my life than a lot of people, I just need to embrace the uncertainty.
Long story...
CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE
1. The sun is only a star, around that star we spin.
But there are many other star; where do we fit in?
I am only a grain of sand tossed by water and wind
But there are many grains of sand; where do I fit in?
(Refrain)
Child of the universe, let your spirit fly.
You are the special one, and here's the reason why,
You're a child of the universe, so climb your mountains high.
You are the chosen one to try and touch the sky.
2.Tell me, what can I aim for in a world that's quickly changing?
Tell me what my purpose is; where do I fit in?
Shall I follow a dream? Or are dreams just made for children?
Well all of us are children now. That's where I fit in.
(Refrain)
-----------------------
It's quite the question. I sometimes feel lost. I'm 22 years old in such a huge world. I've been told I have a "promising future", but what does that really mean? What makes someone hold more 'promise' than someone else? And really? Are we just saying that I measure up to some "ideal" that we arbitrarily set. Hmm... I wonder why a certain portion of the population seem to be showing more promise than other demographics?
On another note, I've been thinking about how nice it would be to have a "concrete role". I'm forming my "adult" identity while in a role with a very vague job description. I think what I miss is structure. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. It's great how it isn't confined (for the most part) by the conventions of today's world...there's so much room for out of the box. It just would be nice to have one part of my life stable. I know it's incredibly selfish and I have a lot more stability in my life than a lot of people, I just need to embrace the uncertainty.
Long story...
Wants the world to be ok...
I've noticed that despite thinking I'm a cynic, I'm actually an optimist.
I believe in people and their passions. I'm probably a little (or a lot) naive, but I like to think that people enter fields because they believe they can change the world for the better through that profession. I know that there are tons of teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, accountants, etc., etc. etc. working incredibly hard trying to create their version of the perfect reality. I know there are differences in people's "ideal" realities, but when you really look at things closely, I think it ultimately comes down to being sure my family and friends are happy. We want to live in a world where we have the potential to maximize our happiness.
I think people are so quick to judge and find faults and differences and neglect to notice the commonalities. There are so many absolutely incredible individuals who are super passionate about what they are doing
I guess I am just really sad to continue to hear the language of negativity. Our systems aren't perfect, but that doesn't mean that there aren't a huge number of people working trying to improve them. I think it's really unfortunate that sometimes that's the angle we take and instead of valuing the work that is being done, we complain about it. I.e., the view that "the civil service is a bunch of bureaucrats who do nothing but push paper all day". If you have a basic understanding of psychology (or any common sense for that matter), I think you'll realize that no one gets motivated when you tell them the work they are doing is meaningless.
I'm a big fan of the language of collaboration as an alternative. I think we need to get past this "competition" view...we know everyone works hard and has stressful lives. I think instead of complaining about other sectors, organizations or fields we need to start conversations, make suggestions.
Again, this is probably me being naive, but I like to think our systems are not fixed. We can make changes.
I know I sometimes go on tangents about some of the 'systems' that irk me...starting now I am going to adopt a philosophy of not wasting time/energy complaining. Instead, I will devote my time to learning more about the issues.
I believe in people and their passions. I'm probably a little (or a lot) naive, but I like to think that people enter fields because they believe they can change the world for the better through that profession. I know that there are tons of teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, accountants, etc., etc. etc. working incredibly hard trying to create their version of the perfect reality. I know there are differences in people's "ideal" realities, but when you really look at things closely, I think it ultimately comes down to being sure my family and friends are happy. We want to live in a world where we have the potential to maximize our happiness.
I think people are so quick to judge and find faults and differences and neglect to notice the commonalities. There are so many absolutely incredible individuals who are super passionate about what they are doing
I guess I am just really sad to continue to hear the language of negativity. Our systems aren't perfect, but that doesn't mean that there aren't a huge number of people working trying to improve them. I think it's really unfortunate that sometimes that's the angle we take and instead of valuing the work that is being done, we complain about it. I.e., the view that "the civil service is a bunch of bureaucrats who do nothing but push paper all day". If you have a basic understanding of psychology (or any common sense for that matter), I think you'll realize that no one gets motivated when you tell them the work they are doing is meaningless.
I'm a big fan of the language of collaboration as an alternative. I think we need to get past this "competition" view...we know everyone works hard and has stressful lives. I think instead of complaining about other sectors, organizations or fields we need to start conversations, make suggestions.
Again, this is probably me being naive, but I like to think our systems are not fixed. We can make changes.
I know I sometimes go on tangents about some of the 'systems' that irk me...starting now I am going to adopt a philosophy of not wasting time/energy complaining. Instead, I will devote my time to learning more about the issues.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)