My experience of the 2008 COABE Conference was awesome. I got to meet people from all over the world. This was my very first conference and one I will never forget. I especially enjoyed the classes designed for COABE students because, we were allowed to tell about our experience being students and how we can improve not just ourselves but the program as a whole. I was also intrigued to learn how much fun M&M’s can be in a math workshop. I enjoyed hearing different speakers from all over the United States, one in particular Mr. Ernest Best from Massachusetts. His story was most encouraging; he told how he too was a dropout and decided to go back to school. He earned two degree’s with a 4.0. I think that’s fantastic, not saying if Mr. Best could do it, anyone could. I just believe that there is hope. When a person tells a story and it reaches the soul of another person, that’s a start. It’s always good to hear about someone else’s struggle and how they made it through. Not only that, but
how he has hoped so many others including his assistant, Cindy.
Last but not least, our own Mr. Dwight Johnson gave a spectacular speech on his
experience as a student leader, and it was magnificent!!! I find that each time Dwight speaks, he tells a different story, one that is unique. Mr. Johnson’s experience seems to set fire to a lot of hearts and minds. People are inspired by not just how he gives a speech but the heart-felt story behind it. I call it a testimony which helps other overcome and know that there is something bigger than all of us. You see the conference has filled me up spiritually and mentally knowing how people give themselves in many ways to ensure literacy is a success through out the nation.
Jessica Billups
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Thursday, May 22, 2008
What A Year It Has Been!
What a year it has been! I would have never thought I would benefit so much. But all things must end. Nevertheless, what an ending! 2008 COABE Conference was different for me. Over the past year, I have attended three conferences and no less than twenty forums. At 2008 COABE. I observed such a dedication from administration, teachers, staff, and volunteers. I find that Literacy is not a passing thought, it is life. You have to live it. The 2008 COABE Conference actually is the beginning of the life of literacy for me. Thanks to all the passionate people who have dedicated their lives to literacy.. Speaking from a first timer’s point of view, or in my case as an intern, I did enjoy the conference. Yes, the first couple of forums/ conferences you are so overwhelmed with emotion to know that there are whole groups of people that care so much, that it is their life’s passion. One of the workshops I attended was Transitions: The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with the First Step. The speaker was Mr. Rick Marshall. The workshop was very informative with power points, handouts, even illustrations. For this workshop to have such an eye-grabbing topic, it was too surface, meaning he was telling his story, but it was nothing that would make him or any one else search deeper within. You felt like there was more. I believe most of class felt that way. There was one woman in our class who had a speech and hearing impairment. Her teacher had to interpret what she would say to the class. In addition, students from other countries and Americans dealing with all manors of situation poverty, health issues, and domestic violence and so on. I would really like to see that workshop again. When Mr. Rick is feeling vulnerable and transparent.
Dwight F. Johnson
Dwight F. Johnson
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
BEING EMPOWERED
On March 13, 2008 it was a Thursday. The ABC round table sponsored a forum.
The theme was toast for change. We scheduled one in January, another one in
February. Because of reasons beyond our control both came to no avail.
So it was decided, for what ever reason the students could not come to the forums.
We would go to them. The first one was on the 11th of March, at the YMCA
Literacy Council. I understand the forum went very well. Because of my schedule I could not make that one.
I attended the forum on the following Thursday at Adult Ed on Kensington. There were seven or eight adult educators and around fifteen adult learners, including Joseph and myself.
The topic was on misleading words in one specific petition and how you can be tricked
in to signing a petition you don’t agree with , in general because of misleading words.
As adult learners we were also preparing our own petition for presidential candidates. The forum on Tuesday started the document. So there were already seven or so questions/statements in place on this document. We added another four
or five. I thought that was empowering.
We also discussed our Adult Learners Network. I was allowed to say a few words.
I just encouraged all the students in the class and myself to consider how important it is for the Adult Learners Network to have support also a voice for adult learners.
At the end we did a toast for change. There was no lack of participation with that
Activity. The grape juice was wonderful. I had seconds (smile).
Intern: Dwight Johnson ABC LITERACY
The theme was toast for change. We scheduled one in January, another one in
February. Because of reasons beyond our control both came to no avail.
So it was decided, for what ever reason the students could not come to the forums.
We would go to them. The first one was on the 11th of March, at the YMCA
Literacy Council. I understand the forum went very well. Because of my schedule I could not make that one.
I attended the forum on the following Thursday at Adult Ed on Kensington. There were seven or eight adult educators and around fifteen adult learners, including Joseph and myself.
The topic was on misleading words in one specific petition and how you can be tricked
in to signing a petition you don’t agree with , in general because of misleading words.
As adult learners we were also preparing our own petition for presidential candidates. The forum on Tuesday started the document. So there were already seven or so questions/statements in place on this document. We added another four
or five. I thought that was empowering.
We also discussed our Adult Learners Network. I was allowed to say a few words.
I just encouraged all the students in the class and myself to consider how important it is for the Adult Learners Network to have support also a voice for adult learners.
At the end we did a toast for change. There was no lack of participation with that
Activity. The grape juice was wonderful. I had seconds (smile).
Intern: Dwight Johnson ABC LITERACY
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Dwight's Reflections on Freedom
Thoughts on Freedom
I was asked the question, “What is freedom to me?”
Freedom to me means so many things.
First and foremost, as a human being, that I have the same rights as every human being. The bare necessities of life; shelter, food, clothes and access to medical attention both for maintenance and in emergencies. That I know that I am safe from hurt and harm or if not, that there is a system in place that I can call on to assure my safety.
It’s amazing to me that we live in one of the richest countries in the world. With my eyes and ears I hear and see billions upon billions of dollars being shifted and merged every day. Neighborhoods being transformed and retransformed or not being touched. I’m talking twenty, thirty years. No one, company or church, has touched these neighborhoods. Oh yes! They talk about these neighborhoods, but there has not been real commitment to these areas.
Why is there homelessness? Why can’t we find decent jobs?
Why is the fight so fierce for FREEDOM?
For our human rights: shelter, food, clothes, medical attention.
To be accepted whether I’m red, white or blue.
Oh God! We need divine intervention.
Only you can give us the strength and the power to fight injustice.
Not just in America, but all over the world.
I was asked the question, “What is freedom to me?”
Freedom to me means so many things.
First and foremost, as a human being, that I have the same rights as every human being. The bare necessities of life; shelter, food, clothes and access to medical attention both for maintenance and in emergencies. That I know that I am safe from hurt and harm or if not, that there is a system in place that I can call on to assure my safety.
It’s amazing to me that we live in one of the richest countries in the world. With my eyes and ears I hear and see billions upon billions of dollars being shifted and merged every day. Neighborhoods being transformed and retransformed or not being touched. I’m talking twenty, thirty years. No one, company or church, has touched these neighborhoods. Oh yes! They talk about these neighborhoods, but there has not been real commitment to these areas.
Why is there homelessness? Why can’t we find decent jobs?
Why is the fight so fierce for FREEDOM?
For our human rights: shelter, food, clothes, medical attention.
To be accepted whether I’m red, white or blue.
Oh God! We need divine intervention.
Only you can give us the strength and the power to fight injustice.
Not just in America, but all over the world.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Lauren's Conference Reflections
Name of Conference: MAACCE
Conference Dates: June 20-22, 2007
General Comments: The entire conference was very energetic.
Specific Workshops I attended were:
1.) After School Share Point, Part 1 & 2
2.) Popular Education, Part 1 & 2
3.) If There Is a Will! There Is a Way!
4.) Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood
Beginning with my first choice: After School Share Point. This session, which consisted of two parts, left its best impression on me because the facilitators would pose questions to the audience and then their answers would become the forum for further discussion. It was a clever way of creating an interactive environment that provided real solutions and new ideas.
The Popular Ed Modules were very insightful. The part that left the biggest impression on me was when we drew out our learning environments and hung them up to give one another a “step into my world” experience. I would liken it to Show and Tell. I was very surprised at the extent of help and support that was provided by some sites.
The next session that I attended was the presentation: If There Is a Will! There Is a Way! I was not impressed. I felt as though I was in a one sided conversation; there was no sharing or question time. The session seemed to consist of the speaker speaking at me about everything that she did. There were no compare and contrasts, no object lessons, and no real time subjects that you could compare what she did. Not! Good! This was a lesson in what not to do.
My final session was: Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood. How much fun was that?!
This session was just about as interactive as you could get. There were roles to be played. There were tactile activities and manipulatives. There was interaction throughout. The discussion after the activity was from my perspective, “real time, real world” talk.
My experience was very informational. I was able to experience what worked and what didn’t. The guest speakers were motivational as well as informative. The meals and the people I spent time with were nice too!
I walked away with a lot.
Name of Conference: PTA National Convention
Conference Dates: June 28 – July 1, 2007
General Comments: This conference literally radiated energy, excitement, liveliness and unification. Their theme was, “Every Child, One Voice.”
Specific Workshops I attended were:
1.) How to Develop an Integrated Communications Plan -Presented by, Larry Powell
2.) Lights! Camera! Leaders! -Presented by, Arnold Shapiro
3.) Reaching Out - Presented by Bob Witherspoon
4.) Engaging Highly Mobile Students and Families -Presented by, Aurelio M. Montemayor
The first session that I attended was: How to Develop an Integrated Communications Plan. This session was very strategic in its format. The strategic structure was helpful because everyone was made aware of the direction we would be going during our attendance in this workshop. We were provided with an agenda, which denoted all of the activities which consisted of challenges and solutions. Each activity involved one aspect of the plan. The key components were: goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics. We were placed into groups and as we covered each topic we would complete a group activity which would show how each component was applicable. This session was obviously well thought and planned out. At the conclusion of our session we still had time for questions, answers, and resource information.
The second presentation that I attended was hosted by Mr. Arnold Shapiro. Lights! Camera! Leaders! This was presented using relevant parallels between show business and our business. He used a lot of relatable stories of success and setbacks. Here are some statements and commentaries that left an impression on me. Mr. Shapiro made some statements such as “your success is not measured by someone else’s ruler”, and, “leaders are not born they’re grown.”
He then proceeded to recite a list of qualities that we should always keep fresh in our minds that would help us to recognize leaders in our midst. Some examples were enthusiasm, determination, commitment, caring, character, compassion, courage and confidence, charisma, creativity, credibility, communicative, and finally they are TENACIOUS. Through Mr. Shapiro’s commentary it’s reassuring to know that ethics, integrity, and leadership can still go hand in hand. He challenged us to stay mindful regarding the impact we have through what we present by asking ourselves, “Is my influence positive, negative, or neutral?” “Is my conscience bothering me?” “Would this attract respect and admiration?” Mr. Shapiro spoke about influences on followership: trust, obedience, knowing right from wrong and peacefully solving issues. When you’ve learned to follow then you can learn to lead. With that being said; leaders will and should: 1.) Lead by example. 2.) Have a vision and hope. 3.) Motivate and inspire. 4.) Communicate with consistency and clarity. 5.) Be honest. 6.) Always set goals. And finally; 7.) Be an innovative problem solver. As you can see, this particular session had a huge impact on me personally. In turn I see this session benefiting me and others in my professional encounters presently and in the future.
The third session that I attended was: Reaching Out! This was a very different type of presentation. The person who conducted this session didn’t seem to be very well prepared. There were no handouts. There was no visual presentation. The sound system was not functioning properly. The person simply spoke of the difficulties in approaching someone and what he, the speaker, thought you should do in certain instances. This experience left me very bewildered and disappointed. Another example in what you shouldn’t do.
My final session was: Make the connection: Engaging Highly Mobile Students and Families. In contrast to my third session this session was flooded with information. Flooded with visual / power point programming. Flooded with handouts, directories, and published materials. Flooded with interactive role playing other activities. Flooded with lots of sharing and insight. There is nothing wrong with any of the aspects of this session, but, too much of ‘everything’ is bad. Mr. Montemayor could have had a very active and thought provoking session had he kept the mindset that less is more.
Overall my experience was educational and informational as well as instrumental and motivating. Each time I am given the opportunity to attend one of these events I walk away having gained so much.
Reflection on the MAACCE Conference and the National PTA Conference: My Conclusion
As I conclude my summaries on MAACCE and The PTA there are patterns that I’ve noted.
The first item: aesthetics are important because they seem to be the initial catalyst that energizes your audience. Respectively I am mindful that our main responsibilities probably don’t include this area of concern, but, our appearance could be categorized within this area. It’s important that we represent our student strand in a manner that would make all feel welcome and comfortable.
The second item: Making checklists for media, supplies, printed materials, and a plan B can be helpful and effective resources to aid in proactivity. Comforts such as complimentary notepaper, pens, water, mints or other hard candies might be nice as well.
The third item: We should have more information than we need and be prepared not to use it. Regarding the unused information; we should have a table to place the information and resources that we have available to our audience upon their exit. By doing this we can be assured that we have ample time to cover the most important points of our sessions. Also this would alot for ample audience participation as well. Those who would need more info and resources would be provided for at the table.
The fourth item: Talk to people not at people. As you choose your topic make them relatable and parallel to today’s issues and let your audience voice their concerns. Don’t presume nor assume anything stick to participants statements and available facts. Encourage interaction. If you don’t know the answer; say so.
Most importantly stay enthusiastic, and have fun.
It is my hope that these observations and suggestions are useful and helpful in attaining our goals at C.O.A.B.E. Thank you.
Conference Dates: June 20-22, 2007
General Comments: The entire conference was very energetic.
Specific Workshops I attended were:
1.) After School Share Point, Part 1 & 2
2.) Popular Education, Part 1 & 2
3.) If There Is a Will! There Is a Way!
4.) Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood
Beginning with my first choice: After School Share Point. This session, which consisted of two parts, left its best impression on me because the facilitators would pose questions to the audience and then their answers would become the forum for further discussion. It was a clever way of creating an interactive environment that provided real solutions and new ideas.
The Popular Ed Modules were very insightful. The part that left the biggest impression on me was when we drew out our learning environments and hung them up to give one another a “step into my world” experience. I would liken it to Show and Tell. I was very surprised at the extent of help and support that was provided by some sites.
The next session that I attended was the presentation: If There Is a Will! There Is a Way! I was not impressed. I felt as though I was in a one sided conversation; there was no sharing or question time. The session seemed to consist of the speaker speaking at me about everything that she did. There were no compare and contrasts, no object lessons, and no real time subjects that you could compare what she did. Not! Good! This was a lesson in what not to do.
My final session was: Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood. How much fun was that?!
This session was just about as interactive as you could get. There were roles to be played. There were tactile activities and manipulatives. There was interaction throughout. The discussion after the activity was from my perspective, “real time, real world” talk.
My experience was very informational. I was able to experience what worked and what didn’t. The guest speakers were motivational as well as informative. The meals and the people I spent time with were nice too!
I walked away with a lot.
Name of Conference: PTA National Convention
Conference Dates: June 28 – July 1, 2007
General Comments: This conference literally radiated energy, excitement, liveliness and unification. Their theme was, “Every Child, One Voice.”
Specific Workshops I attended were:
1.) How to Develop an Integrated Communications Plan -Presented by, Larry Powell
2.) Lights! Camera! Leaders! -Presented by, Arnold Shapiro
3.) Reaching Out - Presented by Bob Witherspoon
4.) Engaging Highly Mobile Students and Families -Presented by, Aurelio M. Montemayor
The first session that I attended was: How to Develop an Integrated Communications Plan. This session was very strategic in its format. The strategic structure was helpful because everyone was made aware of the direction we would be going during our attendance in this workshop. We were provided with an agenda, which denoted all of the activities which consisted of challenges and solutions. Each activity involved one aspect of the plan. The key components were: goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics. We were placed into groups and as we covered each topic we would complete a group activity which would show how each component was applicable. This session was obviously well thought and planned out. At the conclusion of our session we still had time for questions, answers, and resource information.
The second presentation that I attended was hosted by Mr. Arnold Shapiro. Lights! Camera! Leaders! This was presented using relevant parallels between show business and our business. He used a lot of relatable stories of success and setbacks. Here are some statements and commentaries that left an impression on me. Mr. Shapiro made some statements such as “your success is not measured by someone else’s ruler”, and, “leaders are not born they’re grown.”
He then proceeded to recite a list of qualities that we should always keep fresh in our minds that would help us to recognize leaders in our midst. Some examples were enthusiasm, determination, commitment, caring, character, compassion, courage and confidence, charisma, creativity, credibility, communicative, and finally they are TENACIOUS. Through Mr. Shapiro’s commentary it’s reassuring to know that ethics, integrity, and leadership can still go hand in hand. He challenged us to stay mindful regarding the impact we have through what we present by asking ourselves, “Is my influence positive, negative, or neutral?” “Is my conscience bothering me?” “Would this attract respect and admiration?” Mr. Shapiro spoke about influences on followership: trust, obedience, knowing right from wrong and peacefully solving issues. When you’ve learned to follow then you can learn to lead. With that being said; leaders will and should: 1.) Lead by example. 2.) Have a vision and hope. 3.) Motivate and inspire. 4.) Communicate with consistency and clarity. 5.) Be honest. 6.) Always set goals. And finally; 7.) Be an innovative problem solver. As you can see, this particular session had a huge impact on me personally. In turn I see this session benefiting me and others in my professional encounters presently and in the future.
The third session that I attended was: Reaching Out! This was a very different type of presentation. The person who conducted this session didn’t seem to be very well prepared. There were no handouts. There was no visual presentation. The sound system was not functioning properly. The person simply spoke of the difficulties in approaching someone and what he, the speaker, thought you should do in certain instances. This experience left me very bewildered and disappointed. Another example in what you shouldn’t do.
My final session was: Make the connection: Engaging Highly Mobile Students and Families. In contrast to my third session this session was flooded with information. Flooded with visual / power point programming. Flooded with handouts, directories, and published materials. Flooded with interactive role playing other activities. Flooded with lots of sharing and insight. There is nothing wrong with any of the aspects of this session, but, too much of ‘everything’ is bad. Mr. Montemayor could have had a very active and thought provoking session had he kept the mindset that less is more.
Overall my experience was educational and informational as well as instrumental and motivating. Each time I am given the opportunity to attend one of these events I walk away having gained so much.
Reflection on the MAACCE Conference and the National PTA Conference: My Conclusion
As I conclude my summaries on MAACCE and The PTA there are patterns that I’ve noted.
The first item: aesthetics are important because they seem to be the initial catalyst that energizes your audience. Respectively I am mindful that our main responsibilities probably don’t include this area of concern, but, our appearance could be categorized within this area. It’s important that we represent our student strand in a manner that would make all feel welcome and comfortable.
The second item: Making checklists for media, supplies, printed materials, and a plan B can be helpful and effective resources to aid in proactivity. Comforts such as complimentary notepaper, pens, water, mints or other hard candies might be nice as well.
The third item: We should have more information than we need and be prepared not to use it. Regarding the unused information; we should have a table to place the information and resources that we have available to our audience upon their exit. By doing this we can be assured that we have ample time to cover the most important points of our sessions. Also this would alot for ample audience participation as well. Those who would need more info and resources would be provided for at the table.
The fourth item: Talk to people not at people. As you choose your topic make them relatable and parallel to today’s issues and let your audience voice their concerns. Don’t presume nor assume anything stick to participants statements and available facts. Encourage interaction. If you don’t know the answer; say so.
Most importantly stay enthusiastic, and have fun.
It is my hope that these observations and suggestions are useful and helpful in attaining our goals at C.O.A.B.E. Thank you.
Dwight’s Reflections
MAACCE Conference 2007
I don't quite know if it is where I am in life or exactly what it is. I left that conference in awe, of all that was said and done. Every speaker came with his or her own message. It was message of encouragement, dedication, facts/realities, inspiration, and motivation to keep the fight an on-going fight. To let the world know that we have JUST gotten started. I left there thinking I wanted to be a part of this fight. Because I am one of those people have benefited every day from this work.
VALUE Leadership Institute 2007
VALUE was unlike any conference I have ever attended. The uniqueness was that everyone in positions of power and on committees was the same: we were all adult learners. We had all gone back to school in our adulthood. Knowing this gave me an ease that I had not known before in a conference setting. It was liberating, there was no airs you had to put on. That tells me as long as I am true to myself and keep it real the sky is the limit in terms of reaching my goals. I'm forever changed because of that experience at VALUE.
I don't quite know if it is where I am in life or exactly what it is. I left that conference in awe, of all that was said and done. Every speaker came with his or her own message. It was message of encouragement, dedication, facts/realities, inspiration, and motivation to keep the fight an on-going fight. To let the world know that we have JUST gotten started. I left there thinking I wanted to be a part of this fight. Because I am one of those people have benefited every day from this work.
VALUE Leadership Institute 2007
VALUE was unlike any conference I have ever attended. The uniqueness was that everyone in positions of power and on committees was the same: we were all adult learners. We had all gone back to school in our adulthood. Knowing this gave me an ease that I had not known before in a conference setting. It was liberating, there was no airs you had to put on. That tells me as long as I am true to myself and keep it real the sky is the limit in terms of reaching my goals. I'm forever changed because of that experience at VALUE.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Reflections III
The Importance of My Life Relationship With Friends
Rochell Jones
The type of childhood I had either showed me how to be positive or how to be negative, my future depended on these aspects. My friends didn’t realize the imprints they left on me as a child talking negative, skipping school, doing thing that weren’t positive. I knew that their negativity was causing negative situations in my life. Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t understand as children that following directions would help us to achieve our goals, bring financial resources, and changes for the better in our lives. It’s not that my friends and I didn’t know or understand the concept of doing right, we were just that free to be who we were at that point in time. Therefore, we needed mentors in our lives to be able to understand what life had to offer. As I got older I thought on the positive, I reminisce on those positive thoughts. I changed and made my situation better for my life and enrolled in college. I decided to become a nurse at a young age and this was a road that I choose to take.
I was burdened as a child by the negative aspect of my friends and that pained me. My friends would say that I would not accomplish anything, but in my mind I knew that I was something special. The more they talked, the more I would better myself. I left home at an early age of 17, I needed something more and my family wasn’t giving it to me. At this point in my life I knew no one could hold me back. There was a bigger world out for me. I thought outside of the box my family was trying to put me in. I let God guild my foot steps and I knew it was him because on my own I had not accomplished nothing, but with prayer and God’s strength I knew that I could achieve anything.
I knew my future was not all on point without any type of mentor in my life. Things that I wanted to accomplish had become a reality. I prayed for God to send positive people in my life and mentors that would help me to stay more focused on any given situation. God answered my prayer and my life generated positive people, money, children, a husband, and schooling. Negativity was still riding with me because of my past, I was missing my friends that were doing all the negative talking to me as a child, but I couldn’t let this stand in my way so I took charge of the negative thoughts. I knew that it was going to be hard work but I remained focused and I came out on top of every situation I encountered.
Rochell Jones
The type of childhood I had either showed me how to be positive or how to be negative, my future depended on these aspects. My friends didn’t realize the imprints they left on me as a child talking negative, skipping school, doing thing that weren’t positive. I knew that their negativity was causing negative situations in my life. Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t understand as children that following directions would help us to achieve our goals, bring financial resources, and changes for the better in our lives. It’s not that my friends and I didn’t know or understand the concept of doing right, we were just that free to be who we were at that point in time. Therefore, we needed mentors in our lives to be able to understand what life had to offer. As I got older I thought on the positive, I reminisce on those positive thoughts. I changed and made my situation better for my life and enrolled in college. I decided to become a nurse at a young age and this was a road that I choose to take.
I was burdened as a child by the negative aspect of my friends and that pained me. My friends would say that I would not accomplish anything, but in my mind I knew that I was something special. The more they talked, the more I would better myself. I left home at an early age of 17, I needed something more and my family wasn’t giving it to me. At this point in my life I knew no one could hold me back. There was a bigger world out for me. I thought outside of the box my family was trying to put me in. I let God guild my foot steps and I knew it was him because on my own I had not accomplished nothing, but with prayer and God’s strength I knew that I could achieve anything.
I knew my future was not all on point without any type of mentor in my life. Things that I wanted to accomplish had become a reality. I prayed for God to send positive people in my life and mentors that would help me to stay more focused on any given situation. God answered my prayer and my life generated positive people, money, children, a husband, and schooling. Negativity was still riding with me because of my past, I was missing my friends that were doing all the negative talking to me as a child, but I couldn’t let this stand in my way so I took charge of the negative thoughts. I knew that it was going to be hard work but I remained focused and I came out on top of every situation I encountered.
Reflections II
Thinking Creatively
Dwight F. Johnson
How do you think creatively?
When do you think creatively?
Why do you think creatively?
Are the questions.
In order for me to think creatively I must use my imagination. I mean by this using the act or the faculty of imagining. The ability to form mental images. This is creativety, imagination.
I think creatively every second, minute, and hour of the day. There is always something that needs to be done. There are so many places to go and also people to meet. Also looking at creativity from another angel. Would be things we haven't done or places we haven't been. Are even people we haven't met. One thing about it we are always thinking creatively.
I really don't know why we think creatively. There is one thing I can say is that the brain is divinely made. It can do anything it wants to do once the mind is made up. It may be good, sad, or indifferent.
We must be creative in our everyday life. If we don't we won't be able to get anything done. Out of all 365 days of the year, there is not one day the same. Each day we are creating whether you know it or not. Thinking creatively helps me to see that there is always more. And it also helps you move from one level of life to the next. "What a very great divine gift"!
Dwight F. Johnson
How do you think creatively?
When do you think creatively?
Why do you think creatively?
Are the questions.
In order for me to think creatively I must use my imagination. I mean by this using the act or the faculty of imagining. The ability to form mental images. This is creativety, imagination.
I think creatively every second, minute, and hour of the day. There is always something that needs to be done. There are so many places to go and also people to meet. Also looking at creativity from another angel. Would be things we haven't done or places we haven't been. Are even people we haven't met. One thing about it we are always thinking creatively.
I really don't know why we think creatively. There is one thing I can say is that the brain is divinely made. It can do anything it wants to do once the mind is made up. It may be good, sad, or indifferent.
We must be creative in our everyday life. If we don't we won't be able to get anything done. Out of all 365 days of the year, there is not one day the same. Each day we are creating whether you know it or not. Thinking creatively helps me to see that there is always more. And it also helps you move from one level of life to the next. "What a very great divine gift"!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Reflections
Regarding Valued Qualities
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.
I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.
It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.
I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.
I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.
Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.
As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.
I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.
It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.
I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.
I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.
Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.
As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
