5 things I would change about myself...

1) Sensitivity/Self consciousness/Self expression
I take everything too personally. Criticism seems to just stick in my head, and I overanalyze comments. I wish it was easier to laugh at myself, and not be so easily embarrassed. I envy those who genuinely do not care what others think about them. I don't think it has held me back, but I have spent many restless nights repeatedly going over certain incidents. It has prevented me from expressing myself creatively though. I do a lot of writing, and have become addicted to playing guitar over the last year, yet it's been hard for me to share my creations with anyone, even family.

2) Spirituality
Or lack there of. Raised in atheist communities, I was seldom exposed to religion. Am I missing something by not having any beliefs in a greater power? Having done research about evolution over the last few years, it has become difficult for me to grasp the concept of a creator. Buddhism has been the easiest religion pill for me to swallow so far, yet it doesn't have the creator belief shared by monotheistic religions. When am I hard done by (screwed over), I take the attitude that I need to do nothing about it, as I feel that they will get what's coming to them. How can I feel that if I don't believe in a higher power? There is a lot that science can not explain.

3) Judgments/Stereotypes
In such a image-focused society, many people make statements about themselves through material products (clothes, cars, etc.) It is so easy to form a feeling about a person without ever have talked to them. I think this relates to the transference topic discussed last night. When I meet new people, I do make an effort to treat them as an individual as opposed to assuming them to be similar to someone in my past. I believe that the way people present themselves says something about who they are, but it's wrong to form an opinion of someone simply based on this. I wish I could erase all my conceptions attached to certain images or brands, and not form opinions of people prior to conversing with them.

4) Perspective
What's really important in life? When I used to think of success, I would think of a cottage on the lake with a boat. I most definitely desire to achieve much more than this in life. With so many problems in the world, I almost feel that it is the duty of the educated from developed nations to make some sort of contribution to those less fortunate. We all know what it's like to be deprived of our wants and desires, yet how many of us can say we've been deprived of our needs for survival? How can I get bummed out about not being able to afford to go snowboarding when thousands are dying each day from problems unimaginable in Canada? I need to shift my perspective on what I really want to achieve in this life, and worry less about not being able to fulfill all my wants.

5)Patience
I do have long-term patience (finishing school, finding love.) Its everyday aggravation that I wish to change. While I have made drastic improvements since my adolescent days, every so often I get worked up. I'd say the majority of my tantrums are due to computer problems, especially slow internet. Being late for something important also seems to stress me out. While I do consider myself to be easy-going, I could be going easier.

When I think of the word “passion”, I feel that it is a lifetime motivation that influences our lifestyles and the choices we make. There have been many things that I have had a deep interest in, yet not enough of an interest to consider a career in those areas.

I have had long-running interests in music and nature (and too many short-lived interests), but I feel these would be better suited under my “appreciation” category, as opposed to them being my passions.

I am passionate about learning. A common theme in anyone’s life is learning. Not only learning through knowledge and experience, but learning about one's self.

I have always been a recreational reader. As a kid and an adolescent, I was fascinated by stories, and would frequently read in my spare time. I was instantly hooked on the internet when introduced to it in high school, and took advantage of the vast amount of information available. When I find a new interest (as with my recent interest in understanding various religions), I generally research it extensively, which often leads to more questions.

A three-year move to San Antonio when I was 10 exposed me to a slight culture difference, which gave me a little perspective and the desire to experience more. Before moving to BC about a year ago, I had spent the last few years bouncing around southern Ontario, and about 6 months with family in Nevada. Graduating this spring will allow me to finally pursue my desire to travel overseas. I hope that moving to a new area and experiencing a completely different culture will contribute to my personal development, a gain a better knowledge-of-self.

How do I let others know my passion? As with most people, I generally get to know others well through a common interest. Most who know have known me well would say I am a curious person, as I usually try to learn from others who have knowledge or experience in a particular area. I am also one who enjoys discussing ideas and theories, which probably reveals my inquisitive nature.

When I someday have children, my priorities will change and personal issues will seem inferior when compared to the welfare of my children. I hope to not only pass on the values imbedded in me, but also encourage question.


"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the life-long attempt to acquire it." - Albert Einstein

pcom390 goals

As I've never considered myself an "A" student, my goals for this class are on a more personal level than academic. In my post-secondary career, I found there to be a large emphasis on structure, and less encouragement for an "outside of the box" mentality.

I think this class will be a good opportunity for myself and other students to relate on a more personal level, and bring some of our outside interests into the classroom. A weekly blog will encourage creative thinking, and a seminar teaching might allow students to present the material in more non-conventional ways.

I'm also hoping to learn communication techniques on not only a professional level, but on a personal level as well. As I plan to travel overseas this year, it would be beneficial to gain communication skills when there is a language barrier involved. As an introvert, I prefer written individual projects as opposed to group presentations. While presenting has never been a problem for me in the past, it is good practice to break out of my introverted ways.

The feedback I receive from my seminar and my weekly blogs from my peers is largely how I will measure my sucess. I'm looking forward to reading the blogs of other students, and hope to provide them with personal comments.