Nonverbal Communication

Sister McKenna asked us to write in our portfolio about two types of nonverbal communication - more specifically one we are good at and one we aren't so good at.

Friendly

I think in general I am a happy person. I always try to smile and be friendly towards others. (Of course there is always the exception of the really bad days...) I think I'm good at giving friendly smiles and letting people know I'm easy to talk to. I try to have an open posture and not walk around with my arms folded across my chest. I stand up straight and like to look people in the eye. I think this shows someone that you genuinely care and want to talk to them.

Wonder Woman

I think this in particular is a definitely flaw of mine as far as nonverbal communication goes. My friendly behavior doesn't always come across in the way I mean it. I like to be doing at least 3 things at once. Honest to goodness, I'm not lying. I feel like I have to be Wonder Woman. And I think this nonverbal behavior comes across as if I don't care or am "too busy" to talk to someone. But the truth is, I can be watching TV, working on homework, chatting with friends online, and talking to my mom on the phone all at once. (This drives her crazy, as I think it does a lot of people.) I have been trying to slow down my life and focus on one thing at once, but it's still a work in progress.

What I should and what I want...

I've been arguing with myself lately on what I want to do with my life. The truth is... I feel like I really need a break and just have some fun. I want to travel and see things! I want to experience the world. Right now, I'm headed towards this....

... Career Woman... I'm not fully convinced that's what I want to do.... This is what I want to be doing....

... Traveling Woman... seeing the world.... taking beautiful pictures... discovering new things... My problem is.... Everyone expects woman #1 out of me, and I want to be woman #2.... so what to do?

Personal Space...

Personal space is something that I... sacredly value... Today during class, we were assigned different social rules to blow out of proportion and record peoples reactions. It really is interesting to see how we get protective of our personal space. Me and a couple other girls went over and sat by this kid who was by himself in the crossroads and started talking about midterms. We tried to bring him into the conversation - he gave short answers but he gave us this look that was like.... go away, NOW!

For Granted...

Yesterday I was able to go visiting teaching. My partner prepared a lesson on temples and how it is such a blessing to have a temple so close. Now, I could make the excuse that I am crazy busy and there is no convenient time for me to go serve the Lord, but that is not entirely true. While I am busy, I just simply take for granted of the fact that I have two temples close by - one within two minutes, and the other with in 25 minutes. These temples are sacred, beautiful places where we can do work and serve the Lord. I always feel so much better when I go and want that feeling of the Spirit to be forever with me afterwards.

Girl time.

Breanne was so kind to go help me with taking portraits for my photo class yesterday. She is such a great friend and I appreciate everything she does. Yesterday we had a great day doing what girls do best. Giggling. Breanne came over later and we watched Peter Pan. You know... that newer one with the very attractive young kid in it. Oh goodness I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It definitely was a great way to start the week! I can always count on her to make my day brighter.

Breakthrough...

I think me and my sister Holly had a breakthrough this weekend.... Saturday I got back from the store and was so tired so I took a nap. In the middle of my nap I was woken up by that annoying, ringing phone. It was Holly. I don't remember the last time she called just to chat. We talked for 30 minutes! It was so great and it made me miss her even more. She was on her way to the store and needed someone to talk to. I wish we lived closer. I think we could both use that constant support in our life.

What makes me happy...

A lot of the time I think, I know, I make life out to be more complicated than it needs to be. I get going so fast that I forget to stop and ask myself what makes ME happy. Well what does make me happy.... there are a lot of things. But in the secular sense, I love taking pictures - especially of people. I love capturing a moment in time that will never be repeated again. It's a funny thing with taking pictures though... people always gripe and complain when you're taking them, but afterwards the really appreciate it... (at least that's what my family does) If i could quit school and take pictures for the rest of my life and make a good living, I would... and maybe I will.... (not really but it's fun to think about)

This photo as taken by me, of me, in a reflection of a mirror.

My roommate took this picture but I did the editing.