Thursday, July 11, 2013

A634.6.3.RB - Shuck, Allison

What are Virtues?

After reading Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues and taking the virtue quiz, I realized that there are a few aspects within my life that need improving. For starters, I need to be more frugal with my time and money. Because I am one of those people who peruses perfect, I constantly find myself wasting time. For example, when writing a paper, such as the one I am writing now, I usually get lost in thought and cannot find my words and before I know it, I am rereading and rewriting my paper over again.  This is a constant battle for me!
In addition to wasting time, I also have a habit of waiting money. For example, each week I go to the grocery store, buy lunch mean and various snacks item and promise myself that I am going to pack my lunch. And although my intentions are good, I usually neglect my plan and find myself driving to Chipotles, Chick Fli A, or Panera Bread.  This is a habit that I really need to break; not only and I wasting money on food I am  not eating, but I am wasting my time and gas driving to the grocery store and then out to lunch.  As Benjamin Franklin puts it, “make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing”.
The second aspect within my life that really needs improving is a combination of two virtues: Silence and Sincerity. I really think these two virtues go hand-in-hand. Why, because one cannot avoid trifling conversation without thinking innocently and justly. Unfortunately, since I grew up I a strong independent household, I grew up thinking it was ok to speak my mind; however, I am finding out that that is not the case; I struggle to stay under the radar. Therefore, I have made it a goal of mine to listen and refrain from participating in the gossip. I guess my real problem is separating church and state. I need to understand that I cannot act the same way at home as I do at work; it is just not acceptable. And, I cannot assume that the people at work are my friends. I am there to do a job, not to make friends. Thus, I refuse to allow myself to be negatively affected by others. 

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