Soft Skills

     With the emphasis on academics, test scores, and grade point averages, students may have an additional need to develop soft skills.   These skills include self discipline to accomplish goals and the ability to get along with and influence others.
     Young children can learn the social graces, manners, friendliness, and optimism.  Throughout childhood,  they can increase their people skills by learning effective communication, negotiation, and calmly solving problems.  As they get older, they can learn to accept and benefit from suggestions and criticism,  manage time, and handle stress.
     Children and adults need to be aware of their own needs and how to effectively reach their goals.  We all need to increase the skills of being good listeners, having empathy for others, and developing effective oral and written communication.
     We need to find time to practice dealing with each other face-to-face.  Getting along with many types of people allows us to be successful team players and influential leaders.  Make sure that your children have developed these skills before high school graduation.  Success in college and on the job will greatly increase with the use of these soft skills.

Blind Spots

     Every eye has a blind spot.  Usually we are unaware of this physical condition.  As we age, certain eye degeneration can cause a darkened spot in our central vision.  Some strokes may also limit vision. We compensate by using our stronger eye or our peripheral vision.
     We can also develop a psychological blind spot when logic and reason do not function well with a particular situation.  We can't seem to see what is obvious to others.  We see what we want to see instead of facing unpleasant facts.
     Some of us only focus on our own perspective.  We concentrate on what we already believe and seldom look at other possibilities.  Our own vision makes us blind to other points of view.
     Our physical vision has limitations.  Our emotional outlook can limit facing the facts.  Our narrowed perspective can stop us from understanding other views.  Be aware of your blind spots.

   

The Pursuit

     All US citizens have the right to pursue happiness, but the definitions of happiness will vary.  As long as our pursuit doesn't infringe upon the rights of others, we can strive toward our goals using our own beliefs and value systems.
     When we have sufficient food, clothing, housing, health, and companionship, we may feel satisfied and contented.  Even if some of these basic needs are lacking, we can choose to be happy with the way things are in our present situation.  Happiness is, after all, a state of mind.  We do have the right to pursue additional ways to increase our joy and contentment.
     As we pursue our own happiness, we need to remember that everyone else has the same right even if their beliefs and value systems are different than ours.  As long as we are within the law, no one has the right to define or limit our pursuit.
     We are not guaranteed happiness, but we have the freedom to work toward making our dreams come true.  We can improve our mindset so that our happiness does not depend on someone else or something else.  We can take on the responsibility to make ourselves happy and help those around us to do the same.
     Many people say count your blessings, recognize your good fortune, and appreciate your life.  Fight feelings of dissatisfaction, disappointment, and unhappiness.  Pursue happiness.
     What is essential for your happiness?

To the Choir

     If you are speaking or writing to members of your Christian faith, using the Bible as your primary resource is an effective tool.  You can add how your particular denomination interprets the text.  This is called preaching to the choir.  Your audience will usually agree with you.
     If you are trying to persuade the general public to agree with your opinions, you have to use a more universal appeal.  Your audience includes people of your own faith, people of other faiths, and people with no religious beliefs.  It's not just the choir hearing or reading your words.  Your "argument" will need to be based on logic and reason that most people agree upon.  You can't call women who have abortions murderers.  You can't call homosexuals sinners.  This type of character assassination will weaken any chance you have to persuade the general public.
     If your goal is just to describe your own personal opinions, use whatever methods you choose.  Consider the audience who is listening or reading.  If your goal is to persuade many types of people, leave religion out of  it.
   
     

Independence

     We appreciate the advantages of being an independent nation, no longer controlled by another country.  We realize the advantages of being an independent adult, no longer controlled by our parents.  We understand the necessity of raising our children to become independent adults.
     Independence increases our freedom and forces us to become stronger.  We learn to take care of ourselves, pay our own way, and not expect others to solve our problems or assume our responsibilities.  We  make our own decisions and take control of our lives.
     Being independent does not mean leading solitary or lonely lives.  We still need to love and be loved, to give and receive help.  Sometimes, we lose our independence because of health problems or in times of emotional or financial crisis.
     Independence is a grownup accomplishment that takes inner strength and endurance.  We should encourage it in others and continue developing it in ourselves.  Celebrate independence!