help me with my paper! poll: happiness

[cali]

ok, so i'm doing a paper for school, and this is my general criteria:
We all have moments in our lives when we realize something new or surprising about the world. Based on those experiences, our viewpoints on how various ethical, societal, and political issues are developed. For this assignment, try to think of a situation where an event in your life has led you to believe strongly

So I chose the perception and achievement of happiness. I know some of you have seen my last thread: http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=84528

And that is what kicked this off. So I wanted to know what your perception is on and achievement of happiness.

I have a poll set up that I'll leave private so no one knows what your vote was.

If you'd like, tell stories or your feelings on your perception, why you feel the way you do about your happiness or others' happiness, or anything else.

I really appreciate your help and support with this guys!
Thanks!

[chick]

Just read the other thread "ramble..."

I was wondering, so I am more clear on theme and general direction of the paper on HAPPINESS, are you saying (as it relates to what you wrote) that despite your injury you are happy, but that happiness is not always apparent to others or is misunderstood because of the superficial happy facade the public tends to see (or chooses/prefers to see), which doesn't appreciate or perhaps might even dismiss the everyday realities the people may face underneath their happy face.

As far as the paper, are you focusing on a specific viewpoint or belief (on happiness) that has developed/changed for you, since your injury -- ethical, social and or political? (for example, stem cell integrates all three, but many issues ties them together as well, incl. happiness).

Sounds like an interesting paper.

[cali]

Originally Posted by chick

Just read the other thread "ramble..."

I was wondering, so I am more clear on theme and general direction of the paper on HAPPINESS, are you saying (as it relates to what you wrote) that despite your injury you are happy, but that happiness is not always apparent to others or is misunderstood because of the superficial happy facade the public tends to see (or chooses/prefers to see), which doesn't appreciate or perhaps might even dismiss the everyday realities the people may face underneath their happy face.

As far as the paper, are you focusing on a specific viewpoint or belief (on happiness) that has developed/changed for you, since your injury -- ethical, social and or political? (for example, stem cell integrates all three, but many issues ties them together as well, incl. happiness).

Sounds like an interesting paper.

despite my injury, i'm happy, yes; but i have a good life, a wonderful boyfriend, family, and friends, and i also have a clear sense of who i am. i don't find myself physically ugly and i like myself as a person.

i do think people who are unaware of the extent our injuries go see a person who can't walk. so yes, the whole hero/heroine role they put us in makes me personally feel "if they only really knew". but if i were them, i'd be blown away at a positive attitude one might have in a chair and didn't know.

with my injury, i've found strength i never knew i could ever have, and i feel the awe that people who aren't experienced have towards us is merely because they don't know about that inner strength that comes out in dire times. no one knows they have it until you're in a situation that it's the only thing you have to keep your head above water.

i do want to give my point of view on my happiness and where it comes from, but i also (like in my rambling thread) want to show that happiness with yourself can't mask the pain of others around you. some people block out what they don't want to know or see, which makes them happy. i want to delve into how people (not just the disabled) find their happiness, or what keeps them from it. i also want to know what they think happiness is.

i'd like to integrate the social, ethical, and political aspect of what i find with the answers i get and the essays i'll be looking at, but that will be harder i think.

[cali]

o! i also wanted to say (since many of this may be personal) if you'd like to share anything with me but not on the thread, you can PM me. i won't use names in my paper or whole specific stories. i'd most likely use the main point, then elaborate on that.

[zillazangel]

I read the choices to Chad and answered for him what he said "Eh, it sucks but I deal with it". From my perspective, I agree that's how he thinks of it. But I also think its because he has 19 years of experience of dealing with it.

[van damn]

Well it sucks but I deal with it.I've been spending alot of time in the past.I got to do many things in 26 years as an AB.Looking back I miss it but at least I have those memories.Some have never walked/swim/run/see/hear/speak/touch.So I can't see any reason to be selfish to want what some have never had.

[sjean423]

Cali,

I picked the family choice as it best responded to your question. My family (and close friends, and considered them as such) are my main support group, so to speak. I am happiest when I am doing something with them or for them.

A lot of the other choices were close . . . especially 3rd and 9th.

[cali]

thanks for all of your replies so far everyone.

Originally Posted by van damn

Looking back I miss it but at least I have those memories.Some have never walked/swim/run/see/hear/speak/touch.So I can't see any reason to be selfish to want what some have never had.

geno, you're a sweet soul.

[van damn]

Originally Posted by cali

thanks for all of your replies so far everyone.



geno, you're a sweet soul.

Thanks Cali

You're a smart woman who understands life very well.

[wheeliecoach]

Cali-

I said I am the same person...just in a chair. I guess my thoughts would be different perhaps if I had an SCI instead of SCD. I firmly believe though that the chair does not define me...I define me. I still love sports...I still love my pets, my family, my friends, and my Godchildren. There are some things I cannot do anymore...but that does not change the fact that I am still the same person I was before I started having symptoms 7 years ago.