Chapter 5 Cognition, Quotes and Response:
1. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world,” page 171
The significance of this quote cannot be overstated because I have always believed that if we wish to see change in this world, it begins with everyone. From as early as my formative years, I detested my mother for her overbearing, manipulative, and controlling behavior. I somewhat became a carbon copy of how my mother mistreated me and in turn, I exhibited similar behavior; however, upon divorce from my husband of almost thirteen years, I came to the painful realization that the way I treated my children needed to change because emulating my mother’s behavior is dysfunctional, toxic, and based on favoritism. I have never claimed to be the “perfect mother;” however, nowadays, I try my hardest to be the best version of myself for my two adult-aged children because I love them both unconditionally regardless. I may be unable to erase the past; however, I am attempting to be the best version of myself these days.
2. “When we are confronted with information that challenges the beliefs we hold as true, instead of changing our minds we often “doubled down” on our original belief systems,” page 184
A recent telephone conversation with my oldest sister proves the validity of this quote. She had been diagnosed with both hypertension and diabetes recently; however, she adamantly refuses to take medication for her condition. As a Public Health major and having taken a Human Disease class, I shared with her that the number cause of kidney disease and kidney failure can be attributed to two medical conditions: hypertension and diabetes. I also reminded her the diabetes is now considered Diabetes Type 3, which also can be a precursor for dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease as well. She brushed me off by saying, “Yeah, yeah, yeah” and continued to brush me off as though she was immune to the devastating side effects of these two diseases. Furthermore, she has been neglecting to visit both her primary care physician and OB/GYN for her annual wellness check-ups as well. It frustrates me to realize that my sister feels as though she can outsmart her body from the devastating effects that are silently taking a toll on her fragile body.
3. “Artistic activism is a full-service approach in reaching hearts and mind, and this is what makes it so effective” page 207
Who does not love a good story? My life experience is a good story because since I decided to relocate to New Jersey some twenty-five years, everything and anything that could have happened to me has happened. I have seen both good and time times; however, I have overcome those experiences and have lived to share my story of both triumph and defeat. Life has been my greatest teacher because with each new experience, it has taught me resilience and the ability to never surrender under any circumstances, especially if it holds something of value to me. My life experiences have taught me to become a more loving, understanding, unconditional, tolerant, giving, kind, patience, and optimistic person because I want to simply live my best life and be the best version of myself for my family and society.
Chapter 6 Persuasion: Quotes and Response
1. “When people don’t agree with us, and when they don’t change their behaviors in the ways that we’d like, we too often dismiss them as bull-headed, ignorant, or even stupid,” page 211
This quote resonates with me as it pertains to a previous response in Chapter 5 quote number two. Although I do not particularly agree with my oldest sister’s approach to her health, I do not dismiss her as though she is stupid; however, I try my hardest to convey the message that she should take a more consistent and aggressive approach to her health because after all, this is her life and her decisions. It frustrates me to think that she is willing to jeopardize her health and unintentionally putting her son in a vulnerable position where he may or may not be responsible for taking care of his two sick parents in the future due to their own negligence and unwillingness to take better care of their own health.
2. “But there is another way: to try and understand why people think what they think and do what they do, and to then use this to build a better world together,” page 241
As the old saying goes, “walk a mile in my shoes” resonates with quote. We can never fully understand another person’s perspective unless we attempt understand their perspective. We all come from different walks of life not to mention different life experiences; therefore, how do we expect others to understand our perspective should they differ? I have always believed that it is okay to agree to disagree just if there is no disrespect or hard feelings.
3. “We need to manifest general ideas into specific actions that can be visualized and thus enacted,” page 214
This quote resonates with me because I am the type of person who likes to match my words with action. Most people that I have met in my lifetime quite often have offered me “lip service” because talk is cheap; however, I have always been one to back up what I say with action. For example, if I were to promise you something, chances are that nine times out of ten, I will follow through with that promise; however, if I am unable to follow through, I will let you know in advance and recommit to follow through with that same promise. I have come to learn to never expect anything from anyone because you will never be disappointed. It is when we have expectations of others that we put ourselves in that vulnerable position to experience disappointment.
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