Week Three Writing Assignment

Ahh! I'm falling behind. I'm sorry for posting this up so late...

To be honest, I've been finding it very difficult to try to be optimistic recently. Between March and yesterday, many awful things have taken place. And while I may be able to handle each one with attention, when things come tumbling down at once, it's just really hard to juggle them with only two hands and one heart.

In a sense, I am on my own mental Shackleton Expedition now, nearing the edge... OK, so maybe that's a little exaggerated. But the point is, coming to terms with optimism and the important qualities we're covering is especially important for me right now. So I am thankful for being able to take this class; it's just what I need!

What really pulled me in about chapter 3 is:
　　　　　　　「危機」
The denotation is danger, but when taking in the meaning kanji-for-kanji, we discover that the idea of "opportunity" is hidden beneath the facade. Even though I've used this word many times before in Japanese, I had never really thought about this idea. Reframing a tough situation seems impossible at first, but reading how the imagined positive outcomes must be "conceivable" and how it is different from denial shows that it is a realistic idea. Difficult, but realistic and effective.

Maybe we can relate this to negotiation as well? Negotiation may not be dangerous, but we negotiate because there is some kind of conflict. We take it up as an opportunity to sort things out, with the hopes of a win-win outcome. By perceiving it as an opportunity, we take negotiation as a positive challenge. I think this brings out our positive attitudes; our willingness to communicate with another. The conflict or dangerous situation is something we can't change, but the way we see it and the way we tend to it depends on us.

... Of course all of that is easily said than done :P But it's good to discover new, positive perspectives and to look through them like a new pair of glasses. I'd like to think that that itself is an improvement :)