2008 Woodie Awards
'Tis always the season to spread joy and goodwill to humanity
Holly Barber
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Soap Box
Congratulations to the University of Maine community: we have made a successful transition to 2008. I typically do not make New Year's resolutions. Like most people I know, setting a goal at the beginning of the year does not motivate me any more than on a typical Wednesday, and I usually follow through with no more gumption. This year is different.
When I look at my community, country and world, I discover my faith in humanity is wavering. Have we lost our ability to be civil, dignified, kind and appreciative? The optimist in me would like to believe that we have merely misplaced these qualities, or perhaps they are hibernating this winter. I bring this to your attention now because I see these qualities make a short appearance during the holiday season, but it would be nice if it continued long after the new year begins.
This year, a resolution will not do. A revolution is in order, starting now. In a time where we do not trust strangers, let alone our neighbors and community members, it is time to be more honest. I see people being fake-nice to others, then turning around and judging them from head to toe. This is not civil; it is exhausting and calculating behavior. You wouldn't stand in line at the grocery store and watch someone steal ten candy bars without saying something; why, then, are you going to let people steal your sense of friendship and comradery without saying something?
Some people may be unaware that their behavior is inappropriate, and I invite you to respectfully and honestly tell these people why their behavior is not welcome in our society. So often we act without understanding how we impact those around us. Well, this revolution is your opportunity to voice how others impact you. What they do with the politely delivered information is their business.
Additionally, we do not appreciate the people who make our lives more comfortable nearly enough. It is essential to tell people how much you appreciate them while they can still hear you. Spending just a moment of time to give a loved one, co-worker, classmate, or perfect stranger praise can infinitely change his or her attitude and outlook. It has been shown that appreciation of work or effort can increase one's self-efficacy, which increases motivation and effort. So long as you are addressing people respectfully and genuinely, concern for how you are portrayed for speaking your mind should be the least of your worries.
When I look at my community, country and world, I discover my faith in humanity is wavering. Have we lost our ability to be civil, dignified, kind and appreciative? The optimist in me would like to believe that we have merely misplaced these qualities, or perhaps they are hibernating this winter. I bring this to your attention now because I see these qualities make a short appearance during the holiday season, but it would be nice if it continued long after the new year begins.
This year, a resolution will not do. A revolution is in order, starting now. In a time where we do not trust strangers, let alone our neighbors and community members, it is time to be more honest. I see people being fake-nice to others, then turning around and judging them from head to toe. This is not civil; it is exhausting and calculating behavior. You wouldn't stand in line at the grocery store and watch someone steal ten candy bars without saying something; why, then, are you going to let people steal your sense of friendship and comradery without saying something?
Some people may be unaware that their behavior is inappropriate, and I invite you to respectfully and honestly tell these people why their behavior is not welcome in our society. So often we act without understanding how we impact those around us. Well, this revolution is your opportunity to voice how others impact you. What they do with the politely delivered information is their business.
Additionally, we do not appreciate the people who make our lives more comfortable nearly enough. It is essential to tell people how much you appreciate them while they can still hear you. Spending just a moment of time to give a loved one, co-worker, classmate, or perfect stranger praise can infinitely change his or her attitude and outlook. It has been shown that appreciation of work or effort can increase one's self-efficacy, which increases motivation and effort. So long as you are addressing people respectfully and genuinely, concern for how you are portrayed for speaking your mind should be the least of your worries.
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