For my iExamen, I
spent an entire day speaking only what was kind, useful, and true. In
doing so I learned a great deal about communication and the
interdependence of words and attitudes. This is significant because
meaningful interpersonal communications and a positive mental
attitude are crucial elements to a successful life. Through the
process of speaking truthful, useful, and kind words, I have learned
how communication greatly affects personal attitudes.
I selected Sunday
for my iExamin assignment. After waking up I began mentally preparing
myself for the day. I constantly reminded myself to say only what was
kind, useful, and true. My anxiety over the difficulties of this task
made my wonder how I usually respond to others. Do I normally say
mean, useless, and untrue comments? I laughed this off and began my
day. I decided not to tell my friends of family of the assignment so
that the experiment would remain organic, and also so that they
wouldn't pry into my deepest darkest secrets. My interactions that
day consisted of speaking with my mother over the phone and spending
time with friends in Charles Village.
Through my careful
use of positive, truthful, and useful words, I noticed the positive
effect this had on others. Especially through my use of kind words,
my friends spirits seemed more uplifted while we were conversing. For
instance, my friend was in a troubled mood after discovering he had
failed a midterm and would be forced to withdraw from a class.
Instead of merely empathizing with him, through my
carefully-constructed words I offered feedback that adhered to the
assignment. I told him that I felt bad for his situation, but went on
to tell him how intelligent he is and that he will surely make it up
this next semester. Through the use of words, especially kind words,
I noticed his improved mood throughout the day; improving his mood
was highly gratifying for me as well. Likewise, through the
application of kind, useful, and truthful words I noticed an overall
positive environment with my other friends as well.
Perhaps the most
revealing aspect of the day was noticing the words that weren't
useful, kind, and true. Numerous times throughout the day, I would
discover that I have gone a period of time without filtering my
words. This would prompt me to reflect upon what I had said. Various
times I caught myself complaining for the sake of complaining. While
I was speaking perhaps truthfully, my words were anything but kind,
and especially not useful. I also noticed that I had previously felt
much more serene while conforming with the demands of the assignment.
This acknowledgment is important because I was more aware of the
effects my words had on my attitude, and vice versa.
I've learned a
great deal about attitude and the effects of communication from this
assignment. When I was carefully selecting my words, my mindset was
more focused on others. Filtering words of kindness, truthfulness,
and usefulness led to a more positive mindset with my friends and
also improved my mental state as well. However when I neglected to
filter my words, I often found myself complaining. Complaining
offered nothing to the world but negativity and in return, cast that
same negativity upon myself. If I neglect the lessons learned and
succumb to complaining, my relationships and personal attitudes will
suffer in return. However if I adhere to speaking words of kindness,
usefulness, and truthfulness, I will surely form more meaningful and
satisfying relationships; which will also mean a more fruitful life!
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