Thursday, May 16, 2019
Even though it has not been that long since my last post, I felt compelled to write about happiness. An interesting yet elusive term for some. However, more so about the social aspect of it than the feeling per-se. In the following, not only will I explain what happiness means in my own words, but provide some insight on how having people we can trust around us, can in fact make our journey to happiness more attainable.
Most dictionaries will tell you that happiness is: "The state of being happy", which does not help us whatsoever in finding its true meaning. To many, being happy has to do with being wealthy and successful. For some other people happiness is tied to staying out of trouble. We all have our own definition of happiness. Nonetheless, if there is something all of us can agree on regarding happiness, it is friendships. Being lonely will certainly not aid you in your quest for happiness. Thus, the need for us to have people in our lives besides our family we can rely upon. Case in point, when we encounter a problem in our lives, more often than not, we seek the advice of a friend over that of a family member. Of course it is a two-way street so to speak. If we expect assistance from our friends in tough situations, we also have to be there for them when they need us.
Moreover, in the video I will share as well as this post, the speaker mentions how help can be exponential. To illustrate my point, let me give you an example. When you assist someone in need and provide them with an opportunity to improve themselves, the result will be more than promising. If there is anything you can do to help a younger person. Especially in your line of work, do not hesitate in giving a hand. That disciple you take on may even continue your good work and duplicate your action by helping someone who is also in a bad situation in the future.
There is not a road map that will take you straight to happiness. Nor is there an instruction manual on how to attain bliss. Be that as it may, most of us have experienced being happy to a certain extent. Even if it has not been for very long. For instance, reading your favorite book or eating your favorite meal can bring you some happiness. Doing what we enjoy can lead us to happiness. Regardless of how hard life may seem at times. Having a few joyful moments is in fact better than feeling sorry for the things we yet do not have. What is more, we can focus on what we can do while working towards our long-term goals. Hence, once we reach them, we will too be able enjoy other satisfying experiences. Due to us naturally having the means to provide ourselves with those opportunities by that point.
Lastly, I would reiterate my previews statement on: "How by cherishing our good moments, we can even motivate ourselves to pursue our long-term goals". The aforesaid is essential to success. Despite some people saying that success does not equal happiness, I beg to differ. It may not bring joy by itself, but it will definitely lead you there.
Sources:
- Personal experience.
- TedX Talks YouTube Channel.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
It has indeed been about a month since the last time I posted. Not much has changed other than my tendency to catch either a cold or a flu at the worst possible time. Even though this does not always happen, when it does it tends frustrate me to a very high degree. In the following however, will I not be talking about a physical condition. The topic I have chosen for today has more to do with mental health. Which is just as important as physical health. Have you ever heard about adjustment disorder? Well, if you have not, I encourage you to read this post until the end.
They say stress can be positive as long as it does not start affecting our health. The webpage "Science Direct" defines a stressor as a "perturbation in the system or the environment that threatens to disrupt an organism's normal functioning". For instance, for some people such as myself, constant noise can be a stressor. Even though we have described what the factors that cause stress are, we have not defined the word "stress" itself. "In the medical or biological context, stress is a physical, mental or biological disturbance that triggers a bodily or mental tension. Stress can be external (from the environment) or internal (from an illness or medical procedure). The aforesaid can also initiate "the fight or flight" response. A complex reaction to a threat. The state of being in such adverse circumstance is called stress as well.
What is more, let us now focus more on what an adjustment disorder is. In simple terms, it is an abnormal reaction to stress. It is usually caused by a distressing event. Such as the loss of a loved one, being a victim of crime, being fired from your job, etc. The symptoms usually start whithin three months of the event and rarely last longer than six months. Adjustment disorder is often mistaken with clinical depression due to sharing some of its symptoms. Consequently, the reason why it is sometimes referred to as "situational depression". Albeit, it is a much less serious condition. Among the most common symptoms we have: Trouble with sleep, work, study, among others. In 2013, its name was changed by the Mental Health Diagnostic System to "stress response system".
In summary, I would say that is in fact crucial to address any mental condition we may have developed due to adverse situations. Some believe that only physical health is important. Notwithstand, the aforementioned could not be further from the truth. Our reaction to strees could vary. Even so, when it leads us to become unable to cope with simple daily tasks, we should start worrying. Seeking profession professional help is the wisest decision you can make if you feel your current situation is getting out of hand.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-adjustment-disorder#1
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/stressors
- Kati Morton YouTube Channel
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Although still early to write a monthly post, did I want to take advantage of this particular time to pay homage to Shakespeare. The English language day happens to be on April 23rd. Be that as it may, I might encounter some unforeseen events at school. Owing to a new semester starting on Monday. Thus, the reason why I decided to write an early post about this behemoth of a writer.
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in 1564, William Shakespeare was a highly regarded writer, playwright and actor. His family was relatively prosperous. As a young child Shakespeare was sent to a prestigious grammar school where he was educated. What is more, there is no evidence to support he attended university. When he turned 18 he got married to Anne Hathaway. On account of her being pregnant. They had two children. Judith and Hammeth. The latter whom passed away at the age of 11. He established himself in London in 1585. It is believed he spent most of the time after his marriage there. He started writing and acting in his plays. Moreover, thanks to some well-timed investments early in his career, he was able to secure his financial background and that of his family. Hence, he found more freedom to do the aforesaid activities he loved the most.
Regarding Shakespeare's work, by the early XVII Century he had begun writing plays on the tragedy genre. Case in point, Hamlet, Othello and King Lear. Which became highly popular worldwide later on. Throughout his entire life, he wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. Not to mention, that he immortalized phrases such as: "Love is blind"(The Merchant of Venice), "Seen better days" (As you like it), "Green Eyed Monster" (Othello), among others. Furthermore, his contributions to the English language were outstanding. He coined about 1700 words out of the 25000 word-long English vocabulary. In fact, some of the words and phrases we use today were first used by Shakespeare himself. Mostly on his published work. Latin was one of the languages that influenced the words he coined into English.
In summary, Shakespeare was a literary genius who inspired generations with his well-written plots and his highly developed characters. He enriched the English language and made it more unique than many others. Playwrights and writers even today take inspiration from him so as to produce better quality publications. For instance, 1994's Lion King was highly influenced by the masterpiece Hamlet (1599). The reasons of his death are not exactly known. It is assumed he met his end due to a "typhus" ( the new fever) outbreak in 1616 during a social gathering. (Aged 52).
Sources:
- Visual Knowledge YouTube Channel
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
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