Stopped Me In My Tracks

PART 1
In the past week, I was stopped in my tracks when:
 - My friends screamed at each other for a petty reason,
 - When I began to study for the GRE and saw math that I haven't practiced since I was a sophomore in high school,
 - And when I saw the video that I posted for this blog about perseverance.

My two friends were fighting about taking food from one another. Instead of just communicating with each other, they ultimately attacked one another's character. As I sat there and attempted to be the mediator, I realized that sometimes people direct their emotions in the wrong way. As I am a culprit of this, I was stopped in my tracks because I had the realization that we must think before we act.

On Wednesday, I sat down at my desk and opened my GRE book. As I began to read, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated. Not only was it information that I haven't practiced in five years, but I found that the GRE is more of a game than a test. I must figure out the tricks in order to do well. I was taken back because this exam is held highly for my entry into graduate school. I don't feel that it is a true measure of my intelligence, and I am frankly agitated with the fact that, in order to continue on this path I've chosen for myself, I must succumb to the antics of the GRE.

When I saw that video about a man with no limbs, I began to cry. I don't wish that struggle on anyone, and this poor man couldn't even feed himself. After I watched this video, I began to see the man's physical setback as a metaphor for all of our mental setbacks. As he stated, life will always bring you down. Our strength is determined by whether or not we get back up.

PART 2
The common link between all three notations is that they all seem to attest to my character. I try to think of myself as a logical person, and when my friends were fighting, it seems to me that I was acting that way. Not only is it not rational to attack someone else as a person because of food, but it's also simply not nice. Another testament to my character is my GRE practice. I tend to be a perfectionist, and when I have trouble understanding something, I get easily frustrated. It makes it even more difficult when I don't agree with something. Lastly, the video showed me that perseverance is the key to success. If we can't persevere, we won't be able to get anything accomplished. The connection between all three is that, although I tend to be a perfectionist that demands a logical explanation for everything, if I persevere, I will be able to overcome my tedious ways and ultimately find more enjoyment in the process of learning.

State of the Union

The State of the Union Address was jam packed with everything from Bin Laden's death to clean energy proposals. While Obama, as always, spoke with sophistication, I can't help but ponder how realistic he is. With such a great divide between the Republicans and Democrats, can our nation come together and, as Obama stated, "have each other's backs?" I want to touch upon a few claims that Obama made as well as talk about his whole theme of re-establishing a fair America.

Our president claims that our main promise is to keep the American dream alive. We must play by the rules and not settle for a disproportionate economy where a small portion do well and the rest of the country suffers. Obama wants the wealthy people in our country to pay no less than 30% in taxes. Taxes are necessary, and the wealthy can afford to pay them. However, taxes should not go up for the struggling middle class who need relief from this economic crisis. I have agreed with this claim from the beginning. Millionaires should not, as our president stated, be paying less taxes than their secretaries. The tax system should be balanced and although I appreciate the conservative view, I support Obama. If we can become a country that works together (which I know is idealistic), we'll have a better chance at achieving a more honorable tax system.

One of the most resonating points that our president made was our need for job creation. We must stop sending all of our manufacturing demands to places like China and start producing here in the United States. If we can bring the manufacturing back to America, more jobs will be created. If nothing else, this notion makes Obama pretty likable in the upcoming election.

Although these are only a few of the points Obama spoke about during the address, they show the commander - in - chiefs theme of fairness. Towards the end of the speech Obama said that, "in the army, "it doesn't matter if you are a Republican, Democrat, black, white, gay, or straight, when
you have on a uniform, you become one unit serving one country. Washington needs to learn from that promise." Our president certainly speaks with conviction, now all that's left to find out is if there will be action to back it up.

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0daM97RT0k&feature=related

Motivational speaker Nick Vukicic helps people understand that life truly is what we make it. He doesn't have any arms or legs, but he certainly has a lot of heart. Life will always bring you troubles, but this video, along with all of Vukicic's videos, encourages people to believe in themselves and know that they are worthy. The speaker voices that, "if we give up we can't get up."

Whenever I feel like I am at the end of my rope, I tend to find myself watching these inspiring video clips. If we feel sorry for ourselves, we are only prolonging the process of finding a solution. This man speaks to the exact message that I am trying to send with my blog title. To me, everyone wants to achieve trust, whether they are consciously aware of it or not. Personally, I must have trust in myself, in my ideas, and in my potential before I will ever have the ability to trust the world around me. Vukicic similarly preaches that we must find acceptance within in order to ever achieve true fulfillment. I hope everyone enjoys!

Aspirations for My Future Blogging

            Since I aspire to be a clinical psychologist when I graduate Sacred Heart University, I found myself drawn to psychology bloggers like the quirky Wray Herbert and curious Karen Franklin. The main blog that I plan to follow is Wray Herbert’s We’re Only Human. I was impressed by Herbert’s experience as editor for Science News, Psychology Today, US News & World Report and was interested in his whimsical way of talking about human nature.

            Herbert’s blog has a loose focus, leaving readers to pick and choose what they’re interested in. We’re Only Human is an interesting blog because it’s variety allows a larger viewer population yet the author is able to maintain a central theme (human nature).  I hope to follow Herbert’s ironic style of both variation and centrality. I plan to write about every facet of psychology, ranging from objective research techniques to more eclectic therapeutic practices.

            Blogs are fascinating because they allow a freedom that doesn’t exist in any other type of specialized writing. As I begin my blog, Trust is a Waking Dream, my first and foremost goal is to have a voice. I hope to find a way to contribute my opinions in a humble yet charming way. Another expectation for my blog is continuity. In order to have a standout piece of writing, you must engage the readers. Looking at the experience I’m about to go on from a technical side, progression and flow of my writing is crucial to its success.

            The course I am taking is titled “Writing with Public Purpose.” So, I invite any and all readers to join me in exploring every aspect of that phrase. 

Lions for Lambs Review

            Lions for Lambs is a picture that asks the question: “How do we live a just and fulfilling life?" Two misfortunate California college students join the army on a mission to find meaning in their lives. The movie is split into two separate dialogues: one with a senator and seasoned reporter, another with the soldier’s old professor and an idealistic, inexperienced student. Lions for Lambs is able to cover many American opinions in our knotty political system while simultaneously telling a rather omnipresent story through the eyes of our government, media, military, and education system.

Although the film has big name actors including Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise, there is no real storyline. In the movie, the War on Terror is exhaustively debated through a series of speeches, however falls flat when there is nothing deeper than sixty minutes of debating with provocative metaphors filling space between scenes. In a film, a series of debate topics is not enough to compel an audience, even with an A-list cast.

Regardless of the lack of storyline, if nothing else, Lions for Lambs is a sure way to see many questions raised about the politics in America. For someone who is trying to learn about the War on Terror, I would recommend the film. However, to others, the movie may seem nothing more than a summary of facts.

WWPP Intro Blog

This is the introductory blog to Writing with Public Purpose.