The title says it all; but just a little backstory to its conception. I remember talking to an old coworker about blogging–but without sharing my particular interests and activities doing so. As I’ve stated before, you must be discerning about who you share your ideas with. Anyway, the conversation was about how it's possible to support yourself blogging, if vigilant. Or how blogging came make you at least enough to build an extra income outside of working a 9-5. Combining your interest/passions with a solid monetization strategy–BOOM. Interesting stuff to talk about at the workplace, right?
Well, most of my expressed ideas fell on moot ears. Abandoning the conversation, I started thinking about the paths we take in life. Specifically, the detours we take when stumbling through brush and granite toward our life goals. Then my English major years in college bubbled up in thought, as well as how I tumbled out of its expectations. And while my expectations fell apart along the quest, these days I’m kind of already doing what I wanted to do. Granted it's super-super small scaled, independent, flooded, and removed of any foreseeable safety nets. But it's all about the tethered-less joy of expressing oneself through words and language (and drawing and talking life). And, ever so naturally, reading. Yet, let’s be real, you usually get degrees to get hired off somewhere. Personal Flaw: I'm known for blowing interviews by being too honest when asked questions anyway.
Anyhow, just as I reflected on those years scratching around campus looking for the meaning of life through words and language, the idea for this post emerged. Let's talk about five career paths one could get hired on with an English Degree.
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1.TEACHER. Ever notice when telling people you're majoring in English the first thing they ask is will you teach? Of course the question comesafter their gaping expression for your choice in majors. Anyway, most of us are all too familiar with this type of scenario. We know it too, too well. It’s a conversation we generally try to avoid with those outside of liberal arts. For me, when asked will I teach, I would sometimes respond with a “kinda-sorta”. Then I'd attempt to sedge out of the conversation to avoid an approaching sermon. Sometimes I could see judgment in the eyes, and would rather risk eating a dish of cassava than share dreams of becoming a crime fiction writer. I was always pretty tactful, but mainly because I grow exhausted explaining myself about anything.
Nonetheless, the perceived inadequacies some people place on the major is rampant. We hear it all the time dripping in a conversation, as we sub-speak and hint-dodge around how we’ll "pay the bills reading books." I guess this is why so many think the default profession for an English major is teaching. It’s almost as if the teacher path is the most rational way to go, and more or less income stimulating. This path gets the compassion of receiving a little security and safety, and with less starving artist anecdotes. Even if teaching appears as the English major’s default, it’s a needed path. And it has its own challenges and rewards for the passionate leader. Because that's what it takes–a leader.
Let’s try to talk about New Year’s Resolutions once more. Actually, let’s not. Commitments, obligations, and resolutions just ain’t my thing. Something about the three breed my tendency to over-think. Over-strategize. Get stuck in achieving a goal that needs a relaxed and elastic approach. So I prefer keeping things simple. Really, you have to sometimes. Simplicity opens you up to many possibilities for generating the changes you seek. And with only so many psychological burdens to get in the way when you decide to let go of the "wheel." Or one could hope, anyway.
Personally, I think I stand in a prayer for evolving answers for each year–which a general direction in mind. So any resolutions surround walking the new year in faith. Coupled with taking action on inspired thoughts along the way. And by inspired thoughts I mean those moments when an exciting idea hits you. When the Universe/God is calling you to take some kind of action. Some kind of execution of an idea you trust will keep you on your blossoming path. Even the smallest of daily actions lead to big changes. You just have to execute and let the Universe/God do the rest of the work with the space you’ve provided. Yet, it’s important not to find ourselves stuck in the end-goal. But still uphold the necessity of perseverance.
And that’s why I wanted to write a post on some positive ideas and tools you can use to help usher in your New Year. It’s not necessarily a list. It’s not necessarily an action plan. Just… some ideas.
It's Okay to Self-Help
Don't be afraid to get to know yourself through self-help and personal transformation books. I’ve found they can do a world of wonder for a discouraged or troubled spirit who needs a little reassurance and self-actualization. Believe me on this. There are moments when I open up A Course in Miracles for a quick passage, and immediately find relief in its lucidity. Over the years, I've found many inner and outer conflicts come into perspective instantaneously through this book. So I keep it next to my bed like some sort of cognitive-steering emergency pill.
And that's why it irritates me when people sort of disdain or rebut the validity of self-help books. Or activate the ever present stigma how these books are “useless” or “for the pathetic soul.” Okay, okay. That was a bit of an exaggeration. Nonetheless, my immediate thought for the naysayers is they just haven't found the right book for themselves yet. Either that or lack the patience to explore any given book's methods for creating positive life changes.
Taking the time to work on yourself gives you permission to be who you long to be in this world. The time you take to look inside to find what does and doesn't work for your life is truly a gift to yourself. Especially when you go through life carrying baggage (we all do) or a past you can’t let go of. We live with so many thoughts, pains, and misconceptions generated from within and through forces outside. Why not find some relief from them? I’ve gotten tons of perspectives and personal realizations by traveling through various self-help books. It's a journey that will take all my life–and yours. Learning and working on yourself takes work after all. Work that’s worth it through each step, but never ends.
The six books in the image are ones I revisit (besides my favorite Louise Hay books) off and on over the years. Nathaniel Branden’s Honoring the Self speaks about how self-esteem plays with our behavior and character. Furthermore, how the two elements come about in our decision-making. Wayne Dyer’s The Shift is about leaving the demands of the ego aside to reach our ambitions. Something extremely difficult to do in world where everyone wants to feel present and accounted for. Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser needs more attention from me these days. As the title suggests, writing your aspirations is the first step to achieving them. And she’ll show you how. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer has been on my bedside for years. I love the book because it’s about releasing limiting thoughts and inner aggravations. Julia Cameron’s Walking in This World speaks about accessing creativity and, in turn, our life purpose.
I would throw a couple of Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegie in there as well. Do you have a favorite self-help/transformation book you tote around or sleep next to? Which is it and why do you love it?
Create a Vision Board
In August of 2011 I was watching The Secret for the umpteenth time when John Assaraf shared his vision board story. Before I knew it I'd gathered my writing, lifestyle, traveling, and gaming magazines. It took me no time to clip out images left and right. Whichever image spoke to my vision, I glued them onto my own vision board then stuck the thing on the back of my door.
Now let’s be real, since then I’ve spent more time flying out the door with a glance at it. And no, I can’t say anything from it has manifested. But that’s all right. It all takes time and, fact is, I’m on the road to each as closely as I write this sentence. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, it’s a visual tool. A reminder of two things: what I need and how far I’ve come along since its creation.
So that’s the next idea for the New Year. Create yourself a vision board. You don’t have to burden yourself studying it every day with a potato-fist’ed prayer. Actually, I would suggest not doing that. But instead put it somewhere out in the open for a simple glance here or there. Or a minute or two lingering over it before taking an inspired action–which would get you closer to those desires. Let your board act as a beacon. A whistle. A target. A reset button after a long day in the world outside of your vision. Or see it as a playground for the Universe/God to play in. Because you don't always know how your vision will come to pass, only that it's coming and will often be a surprise.
Record Yourself!
Familiar with your computer’s Sound Recorder program? Well, get familiar with it for a moment. My next idea is to suggest recording yourself speaking your desires, aspirations and wishes. It’s sort of like the audio vision board–if you will. However, record your message as if your vision has already happened. I have about two recordings of myself doing such. I keep them on my computer and cell phone. I would listen to a recording at least once a day, usually on my way to work at five in the morning. Before dawn, driving down the highway trying to get my mind prepped for the chaos I know I’ll escape one day.
You don’t need a fancy recording mic or anything. Speak into your computer’s speakers. Make one recording short for a burst of inspiration. Make one long and meditative. Just remind yourself through yourself of who you are and where you want to take this life you're given.
Record Life With a Journal
My last idea is to lead the New Year with a journal. And yes, I’m showing a picture of one of my journals from my Zazzle shop. It’s only right, considering I started blogging because I wanted to start a business selling journals. Right? Right? (^_^) Anyway, the idea to create journals hit me years ago when I was struggling to find a journal I liked, and would move me to write. I didn’t want the usual Siamese or Pug journal cover. Or the roses and wild flowers. Seascapes and meadows–definitely a no. So I created my own journals featuring my cast of cute (but crazy) imaginary friends.
I’ll freely admit blogging has gotten in the way of my journaling. But just a touch. Yet, hear me when I say it's one in itself. Nevertheless, I can’t express the importance of journaling as a daily activity. I’ve been journaling since the second semester of my senior year in high school. So I have about six or seven notebooks filled with material and stories from my life. Just imagine that for yourself for a moment. Books. Pages. Filled with your life. Your story. Your character. Your identity. Your triumphs and mistakes. All expressed, documented and accessible without conjuring up memories which one day may not be conjurable.
Give yourself life-long access to your journey. Start 2016 writing your life down.
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And that, ladies and gentleman, are my ideas for starting off the New Year. Of course in whatever direction you wish to take the twelve months given. There’s more out there to share, but four from me will suffice. If you have any more to add, please place them in the comments section below.
I ran across Regina Brett’s (new to her, but she has many advice books) God is Always Hiring: 50 Lessons for Finding Fulfilling Work back in April. At the time, I was hunting the bookstore for Toni Morrison’s front-of-store latest, God Help the Child. I was also trying to distract myself from the troubling thoughts of my wrecked car parked in my driveway. As well as distract myself from a 9-5 that just wouldn’t let up. And it’s the 9-5 job situation I speak of which drew me to God is Always Hiring. No, seriously, I considered it a sign from God when the book's bright yellow color captured my attention. I circled the new release tower and–POW–there it was. One to wage my coins on impulse buys; in that instance I grabbed the book (along with Morrison) and headed to the checkout without question. As far as I was concerned, God really was trying to tell me something. This time I would listen.
Funny how things work.
But to be extensively honest, I thought God is Always Hiring came with job-related stories I could identify with. Particularly from the first-hand experiences of individuals who’ve found themselves frustrated by their jobs as well. And what they did about it. Think: Chicken Soup for the Soul, motivating struggle, adaptable tools, and eventual triumphs. Even so, while the book contained tidbits of story essays from various individuals and their 9-5 challenges, it was mainly 50 lessons from the author's experiences. Valid lessons, no doubt. Only I have no idea what it’s like to have a resume as broad and bright as hers. Or one crammed with growth opportunities in a field closer to my own desires themselves. I would even stretch to say I would trade my current job for some of her previous experience. Personally, working as a columnist is far more rewarding and field engaging than a gas station attendant. Trust me. I know this.
Still, I suppose the feelings of finding yourself unfilled are relative yet all the same. (I would probably only go so far as a columnist before my entrepreneurial spirit starts grumbling back up.) Which is why I want to share a few of my favorite lines/lessons/advice provided in the book. These are the moments that truly resonated within my personal situation. The lessons I did identity with and heard God "calling." In turn, if you haven’t read the book, I hope they resonate with you as well so you can go buy God is Always Hiring. And get hit with the inspiration to make those changes in your life that you know you must seek out.
So do you walk on eggshells around certain people? Constricted with the realization that one day they’re going to take the tiniest bit of your word choice and deconstruct it into something personal? Sort of like that Mexican expression “searching for tits on an ant”? Or the equally philosophical expression of “creating mountains out of molehills”? Well, I just want to share a few thoughts I've come to realize concerning this topic and the power of self-respect. I hope they all relate, but if not, they'll find the right cord with the right person. I refer to them as ginger tips because I always sip ginger tea or suck on ginger candy to treat an upset stomach. Take that as you will. 1. Be mindful of people who don't pay attention to what you say the first time, nor follow up with concrete questions. They're probably giving themselves room to misinterpret you in the future. And if that’s the case, don't wail back. Instead, be prepared to walk away from their game. 2. Always continue to be kind and considerate of other people’s time, even when someone didn’t feel the need to be considerate and understanding of yours. It may seem like a burn after you've taken someone’s time into consideration and they've used it against you, but it isn‘t. You learn from the respite how to strengthen yourself. 3. You don't have to accept every offer thrown your way–despite what people say. We're all carrying a load toward our destination, and many of us can’t stop to add more until we drop off some of what we already have. Therefore, some things are better left as a blessing for others as you prepare to take your next step. Besides, there’s an opportunity up ahead that someone else left behind that’s perfect for your relief! 4. Don't let anyone tell you what God should be to you, as well as what God is or isn't doing to better your life. Just as you are the pioneer of your spiritual path, only you know what you pray about before bed each night. As well, only you wake up to greet God in the morning refreshed and ready to try again.
5. Someone took your thoughtfulness and twisted it into something personal? Try to stay kind, but remain silent. Do this the first time your kindness and intent are misconstrued, and do not ravel in trying to fix it the second time. Eventually, you'll move on and the recipient will mull over the message and why you didn't give them more to misconstrue. Silence really is golden. 6. Don't fall into the mental beliefs and traps of others. Instead, be constructive in releasing yourself from your own. You are your own guru. Don't count on someone willing to make you feel guilty for not applying their beliefs into yours. 7. You are not always going to be understood–and that’s okay. Be proud that you made the decision to speak! And there you have it! I got some things off my own chest and hope that they've inspired you. I tried not to sound all folksy, but that's just the way it came out. Nevertheless, be encouraged.
Let’s repurpose this for a minute as I ponder why I've always loved learning Japanese, as well as why I find it frustrating but loving. Everyday interactions activate an individual’s language and critical thinking skills. We communicate through language skills, interpreted through talking, listening, writing, and--my favorite--reading. They combine to keep language whole within the definitions of those who speak them. However, as languages are diverse, critical thinking skills in each element of communication increases in the wake of language exchange. As we learn new languages we have to apply critical thinking to interpret pieces of the opposite language. It is these pieces that we manage to interpret, which builds within the vocabulary of our respective language, and must have its context within communication diagnosed for our understanding. Simply put, we comprehend the meaning of a foreigner’s statement through the interpretation of one word. This process is activated by critical thinking.
Nevertheless, we gather the diversity of other languages through teaching. The standard of teaching does apply critical thinking; however, it becomes initiated through processes consisting of creative, procedural, and often specific and direct means. Practical ideas from teachers merge into each process, and the student learns the language through his or her learning regiment. Whereas the student may not pick up on every word, those taught become better able to find his or her interpreted counterpart throughout communication with another.
According to Behruz Lotfi, Habibollah, and Mohammad: “the main aim of second language education along with other pedagogies is to produce and create creative and critical learners… it proved necessary to give a detailed explanation about the concept ‘critical thinking’, and then, critical thinking activities, and that how using them helps learns integrate language skills.”
Behruz Lotfi, Habibollah, and Mohammand believed strongly in the ability to integrate language through the use of critical thinking. As learning language diversity tends to active our productive and receptive skills, the access to those pieces of words produced by critical thinking molds a student to real-world communication outside the classroom.
Language can empower and limit the expression of our thoughts in various ways. Because learning a language activates both critical thinking and creative participation, it is a process that engages expressions and thoughts. We learn through our individual and personal processes, each seen differently throughout taught piece of active learning. As our thoughts connect with learning new languages; learning languages builds inner confidence by expanding our awareness and knowledge of language and different mechanisms of communication. The process also allows one to discover where his or her gaps in learning are; therefore, students can tackle their weaker points to further increase their ability and self-assurance.
Furthermore, languages empower our expression of thought as it stimulates our learner’s minds, causing us to be receptive to assimilating culture expressions. With that knowledge of culture do one’s worldly sensibilities expand, producing worth within the self-aware. Nevertheless, while language has the potential of expanding one’s confidence and self-worth, being unreceptive to differences languages can limit a person. Diversity is ever present in a person’s daily existence, and to only acknowledge what one has known from birth often leads to discouraging expressions of thoughts, which usually becomes viewed as owning prejudices against others.
Because critical thinking consist of branching concepts and ideas produced to give meaning and definition to a statement or question, its ability to persuade others lies in the careful examination of the subject. Evidence, fallacies, and reasons become produced because of critical thinking and its use to persuade others. Because critical thinking requires conscious thinking the proficiency needed to persuade another must be clear with each avenue of reason presented strongly and with evidence.
Language does much more than help us communicate; it activates every aspect of our thoughts, emotions, and practical thinking. With the addition of critical thinking, languages helps individuals approach learning and acceptance of others, whether it is through narrow reasoning or vastly broad ones.
References
Kirby, G. R., & Goodpaster, J. R. (2007). Thinking: An interdisciplinary approach to critical and creative thought (4th ed.).Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Behruz Lotfi, G., Habibollah, M., & Mohammad, D. (2010). Using critical thinking activities as tools to integrate language skills. Sino-Us English Teaching, 7(4), 33-45. EBSCOHost.
Hi, everyone. For those who are new to my blog, welcome. For those returning, welcome back and thanks. Should I tone down all the colors? (^_^) I made the--now titled--Comic Towel to create a space where I can promote my Zazzle store/drawings and my interest in literature, manga, and philosophies (some personal). Sounds like a lot, but as I find myself delving into the materials that I love in each category, I can’t help but want to share and create conversations about them and how they relate to my life. A side objective to that is to help motivate and inspire others by finding inspiration in all mediums. With that said, I would like to find some of that inspiration in
Awkwardness of Mitsuo Shiozu
Manga Realness Number 3: Shuri Shiozu’s Eerie Queerie (the original Japanese title is Gosuto!, or Ghost!). The English adaptation title of Eerie Queerie is more or less a play on the fact that this manga series is within the shonen-ai genre, or "Boy’s Love". That’s Boy’s Love in the sense that it features gay characters/themes. See, the story is about a cumbersome high school teen name Mitsuo Shiozu [uke]. His cumbersomeness isn’t pressed upon him simply because of the awkward stage we all face in high school. No, Mitsuo just happens to be a spirit medium, meaning he communicates with the dead. Therefore, he has every reason to be weird, soft, and many times over dramatic He has a lot to deal with besides crushing over boys--or hiding it, rather. Undoubtedly, the paranormal aspect drew me into the four-volume series as it appease to my love of Japanese kwaidan stories. Of course in a severely cutesy, melodramatic manga-style fashion. Naturally, there are better manga featuring stories of the occult and paranormal, but Eerie Queerie! ranks a little differently with its shonen-ai elements.
The Handsomely Dedicated, Hasunuma
The problem Mitsuo finds himself in lies in his ability to become possessed by the ghost that he runs across. Usually, they are female. And usually, they uphold a somewhat unrequited love of a certain male classmate. Tucked within Mitsuo’s body, these ghost seek the returning affection of those who’ve obtained their attention in life. This leads to further awkwardness and a pattern of misunderstandings that creates a love triangle between Mitsuo and the popular boy in school, Hasunuma [seme]. The third piece of the triangle belongs to the neatly handsome, Ichi. With the romantic stage set, the battle for Mitsuo’s affections commences through this winding series of miscommunication, bad intentions, hidden secrets, and desperate apparitions. The crux of much of Hasunuma and Ichi’s intent is to both love and protect Mitsuo. Which also fuels Mitsuo’s desire to strengthen himself from the weedy boy he started as? So will Mitsuo allow one of the boys in? Will he gain the change that
The Competition, Ichi
he seeks in himself? It’s all whimsical, comedic entertainment at its best. However, the magnetism of watching your archetypal bad boy (in this case, Hasunuma) fall for the likes of Mitsuo is just too sweet to turn away. Mainly because we see it all the time in conventional romance stories where the bad boy is reformed through the admiration of the good girl. In essence, there isn't much differences in any budding relationships, despite the sex of the partners. This, and the slow pace of love taken in this series, is the reason I loved Eerie Queerie! Small Japanese vocabulary lesson in concerns to shonen-ai/yaoi genres...
The Uke and the Seme. Guess who is which?
A uke character is normally described as the fail, feminine character in the dynamics of the male-male relationship. The seme character is the opposite. He is the moody, brawny character that often is overprotective of his uke.