Jennifer L. Naegeledr And Daniel Westhad, Week 4 Reflection

Jennifer L Naegeledr Daniel Westhad 517may 31 2020week 4 Reflecti

Jennifer L Naegeledr Daniel Westhad 517may 31 2020week 4 Reflecti Jennifer L. Naegele Dr. Daniel West HAD - 517 May 31, 2020 Week 4 Reflection "Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, But about your unfulfilled potential." - Pope John XXIII

Introduction

The quote “Between what happens to us, the stimulus, and our response to that stimulus, is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. And in those choices lie our growth and our happiness” reminds me just how even the littlest of choices we make in our lives come with consequences. These consequences can either be beneficial or detrimental. It ultimately comes to a point where individuals intentionally choose to pursue happiness by modifying their lifestyle. Such modifications can be triggered by factors like age, motivation, decisions to quit or start drugs, unemployment, or a new job, among others.

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on this quote and explore what I have learned during the week, how my behavior will change, new ideas I will implement in my relationships, how I can promote globalization, social justice, and contribute to making the world a better place.

What I Learned and Amending My Behavior

This week, I learned about emotional intelligence, which refers to an individual's capacity to recognize their own feelings as well as those of others. It involves utilizing emotional information to guide thinking and behavior across different environments, managing emotions appropriately, and aiming for specific goals. This skill is vital for effective interactions, fostering harmony despite differences in background and upbringing.

This learning will influence my behavior significantly. I intend to become a better listener, refrain from judging others prematurely, and seek to understand diverse perspectives before reacting. I plan to adopt a more open-minded and social approach by engaging with various social groups or individuals. Additionally, I aim to participate in volunteer work to support disadvantaged populations, understanding that their circumstances are often beyond their control.

Ideas I Can Use at Work and In Relationships

Self-awareness, a crucial component of emotional intelligence, has become a focus for me. Through reading self-help books and attending therapy sessions regularly, I am striving to understand my emotions better. Developing empathy and motivational skills will also help me uplift both myself and those around me. As Heath (2013) emphasizes, empathy enhances interpersonal relationships and personal growth.

To advance globalization, I will utilize social media platforms to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge. For example, starting a YouTube channel focused on self-help topics can reach audiences eager for lifestyle improvements. Social media's power lies in its ability to connect people globally and promote positive change, provided it is used responsibly.

Promoting Social Justice and Making the World a Better Place

I plan to educate myself about societal disadvantages, such as the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, as highlighted by Carroll (2018). Understanding their struggles enables me to advocate for their rights effectively. Besides raising awareness, I will work on personal habits that can create discomfort and strive to be more open-minded. Supporting local organizations through volunteering or donations is another avenue to foster social justice.

Embracing diversity is essential. Celebrating differences by attending events, rallies, and advocating for kindness and inclusivity can foster a more accepting society. As stated by Carroll (2018), embracing diversity and promoting understanding are fundamental steps toward social justice. Additionally, speaking up against injustice and Normalizing kindness are small yet impactful ways to contribute positively to societal change.

Conclusion

In summary, every choice we make carries consequences. Embracing diversity and cultivating emotional intelligence are critical in advancing social justice. By consciously shaping our behaviors and attitudes, we can foster a more inclusive, understanding, and equitable world. Personal growth begins with mindful choices, and through continuous learning and action, we can contribute meaningfully to societal betterment.

References

  • Carroll, J. L. (2018). Sexuality now: Embracing diversity. Cengage Learning.
  • Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2013). Decisive: How to make better choices in life and work. Random House.
  • Rosenthal, L. (2016). Incorporating intersectionality into psychology: An opportunity to promote social justice and equity. American Psychologist, 71(6), 474.
  • Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
  • Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185-211.
  • Cavana, R. (2016). Understanding cultural diversity and social justice in social work practice. Australian Social Work, 69(2), 190-204.
  • Kim, H. S. (2014). Globalization and social justice: A critical reflection. International Journal of Social Welfare, 23(3), 276-286.
  • Putnam, R. D. (2007). E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and community in the twenty-first century. The 21st Century.
  • Sen, A. (2009). The idea of justice. Harvard University Press.
  • United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. UN.