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Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
February 8th
February 8th
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Values are fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making. They play a crucial role in shaping our identities and influencing the way we interact with the world. It's fascinating how these values can transform throughout our lives due to a variety of factors.
Life experiences often serve as catalysts for changes in our values. These experiences can be both positive and negative. For instance, personal achievements, such as landing a dream job or achieving a long-term goal, can lead to a greater emphasis on values like ambition or perseverance. On the other hand, facing adversity, loss, or hardship can prompt a reevaluation of values, placing greater importance on qualities like resilience, empathy, or compassion.
Cultural exposure and diversity also contribute to the evolution of our values. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and belief systems can broaden our perspectives and lead to a deeper appreciation for values like tolerance, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.
Moreover, as we progress through various life stages, such as adolescence, adulthood, or parenthood, our priorities and values often shift to align with our evolving responsibilities and personal growth.
Think of a value that you have now that you did not used to have, or one that has become more important to you. What life experiences led to this value changing? How does this change affect you now?
Please share your thoughts and experiences on how your values have evolved.
Reflecting on the evolution of our values can help us embrace change while cultivating the Being (Relationship to Self) Dimension of the Inner Developmental Goals.
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Cognitive Skills Activity: Future Mental Health Scenario Analysis
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
January 17th
January 17th
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Ready to develop critical thinking, complexity awareness, perspective skills, and long-term orientation? We have an interesting activity for you!
Scenario: Imagine a future where the prevalence of mental health challenges continues to rise due to various societal factors, such as increased stress, social isolation, and economic uncertainty.
Instructions:
1. Research the Scenario: Gather information from credible sources on the factors contributing to the projected increase in mental health challenges. Explore different viewpoints and expert opinions on this issue.
2. Identify Key Factors: Identify the key factors and driving forces that contribute to the complexity of the scenario. Consider both short-term and long-term factors, such as the impact of technology, healthcare policies, and social support systems.
3. Create A Scenario: Develop 1 more future scenario that envisions how mental health challenges might evolve over the next 5 years. The scenario should cover a range of possibilities, from optimistic to pessimistic.
4. Analyze and Evaluate: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate each scenario. Assess the credibility of the evidence and assumptions underlying each scenario.
5. Complexity Mapping: Create a visual representation (e.g., a mind map or diagram) that illustrates the interconnectedness of factors and causes within each scenario. Highlight potential cause-and-effect relationships.
6. Perspective Consideration: During your analysis, actively seek and incorporate insights from diverse and contrasting viewpoints. Consider how different stakeholders, including individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers, might perceive and respond to each scenario.
7. Long-Term Vision: For each scenario, explore the long-term implications and potential outcomes for mental health and society as a whole. Formulate a vision or commitment that aligns with the broader context and takes into account the extended future.
8. Compare and Reflect: Compare and contrast the different scenarios, considering their complexity, credibility, and long-term implications. Reflect on what you've learned about the future of mental health and your ability to think critically and anticipate future developments.
Share your brainstorming, analysis, or reflections in the comments to this post!
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Trusting Your Inner Compass for Decision-Making
by Mushroomandswiss
Last post
15 hours ago
15 hours ago
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I've been thinking a lot about how we can trust our own inner compass when making decisions. For a long time, I’ve looked to others for advice or tried to follow what’s expected of me. But recently, I’ve realized how important it is to listen to my own instincts and values. When I actually take a moment to pause and tune in to how I’m feeling, it often leads me to make choices that feel truer to who I am.
There are still times when it’s hard to trust myself. External opinions can be loud, and it’s easy to second-guess what I truly want. But I’ve learned that when I make the effort to trust my gut, even if it feels uncertain, I often feel more aligned and at peace with my decisions. It’s not about having the perfect answer, but rather about honoring what feels right in my heart, even if it’s not what others would choose. In the end, embracing my inner compass has helped me make decisions that fit with my values and long-term goals, and I’ve become more confident in myself. It’s been a huge part of my growth, and I’m learning to trust myself more each day.
How do you typically navigate tough decisions? Do you find it easy to trust your inner compass, or do you tend to rely on other factors more?
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Disabilities
by Kayleethecatlover
Last post
18 hours ago
18 hours ago
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Disabilities
I have Autism, many of you aren't aware of. I use to be treated different at my old job due to my Autism. I have trouble reading social cues and understanding jokes. I also have a hard time maintaining eye contact. People have judged me for that, but it's not about what they think about you it's what you think about you that's all that matters. Self positivity can help in so many different ways especially having disabilities like me. I have many other disabilities that affect my day to day life compared to other people. Nobody is normal that's just a fact. If someone says they are normal just know they don't even understand what normal is because nobody is normal and everyone has something they are struggling with even if it isn't a disability. Everyone struggles with their own things and nobody should judge them for that, but they continue to anyway. Anyway my question to you is: How have you overcome your disabilities in a way it don't feel impossible to express yourself. If you don't have a disability, what would you do/say to someone that was struggling with a disability?
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Courage: A Valuable Skill
by Elephi
Last post
21 hours ago
21 hours ago
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Courage requires the willingness to take a stance on a particular position, and the tenacity not to give up in the face of discomfort. Emotional courage can be practiced and cultivated like any action-oriented skill. Personal values may serve as a foundation for emotional courage, upon which purposeful action may be developed. Those who struggle with feeling courageous might find that a period of self-reflection on their most important values can be used to identify what goals align best with their intention and purpose.
Courage takes some grit, and a little bit of confidence that one's efforts will yield desirable results. One way of building more confidence is to seek support in others. Surrounding oneself with positive people who believe in them can make the difference between the ability to stand strong, or to fall short, when faced with challenges that need courageous attention.
Displaying courage by taking a stand for oneself, or for others, in accordance with their core values can contribute to a person's sense of overall efficacy in the world, and employing assertive communication styles (being clear and firm) can positively impact a person's self-esteem.
Developing courage is a learnable behavior that can be strengthened through practice and applied focus.
Discussion Questions:
* Who is the most courageous person you know, and what have they done that has impacted you personally?
* Has there ever been a time where you took a risk that required courage, but it didn't pay off? If yes, what did you do regain your confidence?
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Perseverance and Goals
by freshRabbit5716
Last post
1 day ago
1 day ago
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Perseverance is important in driving change. When trying to reach our goals, there will be successes but there will also be failures. Being able to overcome these failures is an integral part of achieving success.
A time in my life where I showed perseverance was when I needed to study for midterms and finals. I was completely burnt out and did not want to keep studying but I persevered. I kept going and successfully passed my midterms.
In the future, I can set rewards incrementally for myself so it can motivate me to continue reaching my goals.
Where have you shown perseverance in your life?
How can you ensure that you will persevere in the future?
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The Role of Critical Thinking in a Complex World
by BelieveinZephyra
Last post
1 day ago
1 day ago
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In a world filled with constant information, critical thinking has become more important than ever. It helps us analyze information objectively, recognize biases, and make well-informed decisions. Whether in academics, work, or everyday life, critical thinking enables us to solve problems, avoid misinformation, and approach challenges with logic and creativity.
However, critical thinking is not just about questioning others—it’s also about questioning ourselves. It requires us to reflect on our own biases, challenge assumptions, and consider different perspectives. Developing this skill takes practice, patience, and a willingness to change our views when presented with new evidence.
How do you challenge your own thinking?
Can you share an experience where critical thinking helped you make a better decision?
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Animal Crossing Affirmations
by BPDBadee
Last post
1 day ago
1 day ago
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Just like Stitches, the patchwork teddy bear from Animal Crossing, embraces his unique and colorful personality, you too possess a wonderful blend of strengths and talents that make you uniquely you. Even though studies can sometimes feel like a chaotic jumble of ideas, remember that you are capable of stitching it all together into something amazing. Don't be afraid to embrace your own "stitches," those quirks and qualities that make you who you are. You are creative, resourceful, and resilient, just like Stitches navigating island life. When challenges arise, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and remember that every stitch, every effort, brings you closer to your goals. You've got this! And just like Stitches finds joy in the simple things, remember to celebrate your small victories and find moments of happiness in your learning journey.
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Perseverance: When to give up
by Meloverse
Last post
1 day ago
1 day ago
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Perseverance has always been an interesting quality that many people praise others for having. It is defined as the ability to continue pushing forward towards your goal even when progress is slow or when obstacles are thrown in your way. It can lead to great accomplishments, like earning a degree or overcoming a personal struggle. However, perseverance towards a harmful goal can become destructive, hurting yourself and others along the way.
I see this play out most often with my mom. I have to admit that I do not have the perseverance that she does but I see often how it becomes destructive. For example, it was her perseverance that allowed her to earn her degree despite multiple setbacks and examination failures along the way but she did not give up until she earned her degree. However, this same characteristic also causes her to sacrifice her own mental health and well-being to help someone who doesn't want to be helped. She just can't let things go until her goal has been reached.
Seeing this growing up, I learned that despite being told that I need to persevere, there should be a limit, a time to give up. I was involved with someone who kept stringing me along, and despite knowing it wasn’t healthy, I couldn’t let go. I kept pushing, trying to show how caring I was and hoping he’d see what he was missing. I also pressured him to give me a clear answer on whether he wanted to be with me or not. In the end, this persistence only caused me to develop mental health issues, leaving me miserable. Looking back, I realize I should have walked away much earlier.
In my opinion, perseverance can be an amazing quality. However, when trying to reach that goal, your own health starts to decline and it's starting to take over your entire life, it might be time to give up.
What signs might indicate that it’s time to stop pushing for something and let go?
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Self-awerness and presence
by helianthus19
Last post
1 day ago
1 day ago
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One of many things that really made me think deeply in this course is this - self-awareness and presence. I realized that at some point in my life, I didn't know who I was. Other people's opinions about me defined me and I was trying to make them satisfied, not myself. That is something that I'm working on too, but definitely now I'm many steps closer than where I was. I learned a lot of things about myself, I found myself somewhere in this world, I am surrounded by the right people. I became self-aware of my own existence and of the beauty of the world that surrounds us. That is truly an awakening. Also, something that I also learned and currently learning is living in the present moment and being grateful for things in life. Gratitude really does fulfill life with joy and happiness and living in the present makes every day more enjoyable. That's why a present is also called a gift. When we learn to live in the moment and be grateful for things in our lives, we can enjoy this life on Earth to the full maximum and with a lot of happiness, smiles, joy, and love. I wish that a lot of that, all that happiness, love, and everything good come into your life, whoever is reading this. 🤗
Discussion ~ What are things that you could do today that can make you feel better about yourself or make you fully living in the moment?
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Building Empathy in Difficult Conversations
by CharisB21
Last post
1 day ago
1 day ago
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Empathy is a key focus in the IDG course, and it plays a critical role in building meaningful connections. However, it’s often tested in difficult conversations, especially when emotions are high. I've been reflecting on how to maintain empathy when faced with disagreement or frustration.
One tool I’ve found helpful is non-judgmental listening. By setting aside biases and assumptions, I can truly hear the other person’s perspective, which helps me acknowledge their experience without feeling the need to fix it right away.
I’ve also learned the importance of self-awareness. When emotions get intense, I have to check in with my own feelings. If I’m feeling defensive or overwhelmed, it becomes harder to stay present and empathetic. Recognizing this and stepping back has been crucial to maintaining a compassionate approach.
How do you stay empathetic in difficult conversations? Have you faced moments when empathy was challenging, and how did you manage it?
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Felt connected to the 1st domain about self :)
by EliseLeaf
Last post
2 days ago
2 days ago
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The domain I most related to was the first one we learned which dealt with the relationship to self. This is one of the most important relationships to me which is the one I am still developing with myself. I took an interest in having openness and a learning mindset. With having a learning mindset I am also embracing being open as well. I am comfortable with being a student and seeking more knowledge. I see this in my life when I am trying to get a better understanding of spirituality, my purpose, my strengths, and even my weaknesses. I see having a learning mindset helping me to grow in connectedness with myself. I am open in my life as well I am open to new possibilities, brighter ideas, and a new version of myself. My relationship with myself which is present in this domain represents someone who is a student who is accepting of those new possibilities through learning. For example, I am open to the fact I have my past, my present, and my future. I have learned and I am still learning from the past which is a version of myself I am trying to accept and understand why I took the actions I did. All of these actions, and the learning contribute to who I am, and my authenticity. I am still trying to learn myself so I do love this domain because it will help increase my self-love and my understanding of myself.
Question to you all who may read this how are you embracing openness and learning at this time in your life? I understand that a lot of us have weaknesses and strengths and they are a part of us, however, how do you work on those weaknesses? Have you experienced your weaknesses turning into your strengths?
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The Beauty of I-Statements
by delicateMonkey
Last post
2 days ago
2 days ago
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~tell me how you feel~
Many people struggle with effective communication and look for ways to improve their social skills. One excellent way to greatly enhance your social skills by promoting clearer, non-confrontational, and empathetic interactions is by using I-Statements.
Using I-Statements helps to focus on your feelings instead of blaming or criticizing the other person. This can help prevent the other person from becoming defensive and be more open to understanding another perspective.
I-Statements can also improve the way your relationship with yourself. I-Statements help you become more aware of your feelings and emotions, as well as being able to identify the reason why you are feeling the way that you do.
•─────────•°•discussion•°•─────────•
How can you remind yourself to use I-Statements in conversation?
How do you feel when you notice other people using I-Statements in your conversations?
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Collaboration and Connecting to Others
by freshRabbit5716
Last post
2 days ago
2 days ago
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Collaborating skills are essential to feel connected with others and to achieve shared goals. As humans, we crave connections to others so it is important that we engage in collaborations to create meaningful relationships with others.
Humans were able to advance way beyond other animals because of the ability to cooperate on a mass scale. This shows how much we can achieve if we collaborate with one another.
Collaboration consists of 5 things:
Communication - listen and talk in a meaningful way
Co-creation - ability to build collaborative relationships
Inclusivity - embrace diversity
Trust - maintaining trust
Mobilization - inspire others to take part in shared purpose
In my own life, I’ve engaged in collaboration in many aspects. One that comes to mind is when I play basketball. I need to use all 5 collaboration skills to effectively play as a team to reach our common goal of winning the game. That level of collaboration and cooperation has created meaningful relationships because it feels good to succeed together.
When have you used collaboration skills in your life?
How has collaboration created meaningful relationships?