I'm doing an AdSchool class on copywriting on Monday nights. As if I didn't have enough to do. My work has sent me along as a 'treat', so I figured this was something I couldn't say no to. It's interesting enough. I enjoy studying and learning. The fact that I get home at about 10 o'clock on a school night is not so enjoyable. I'm dead on my feet.
Last night was different, though. We had a guest lecturer, Julian Short. He's a notable psychiatrist and the author of 'An Intelligent Life'. He was a charismatic older gentleman and by that I mean that he was a gentle man. Softly spoken, gracious, commanding attention by the intelligence of his discussion alone.
Julian Short's expertise is on 'happiness' and he reminded us that people are shaped by their ethics and morals and these beliefs provide the scaffolding for the life that they go on to build. I nodded and wrote down 'ethics and morals' and then sucked on my pen while I contemplated exactly what that means. I wonder, I thought, if I've ever really, truly examined what my own ethics, morals and beliefs are. I'm sure that subconsiously I'm aware of my opinions and I'm certain that I live day to day by a particular code. But have I ever brought them to the surface in a conscious, present way? No, I have not.
I know that I believe in family and I'm opposed to war of any kind. I don't like littering or people who don't take care of the environment around them. I try not to judge others' choices but I will if they affect others in a negative way. I don't like pawn shops. I believe in 'something more' but my Catholic upbringing didn't really stick. I'm a feminist but I embrace gender differences. I can't stand bigots, racists, terrorists and most other ists. I like the bright side of the street.
But I need to know more.
So over the next few weeks I'm going to be pondering this topic and working out what my own structure is. I think it's important to know as I believe that examining my beliefs is fundamental to helping my children to structure their own. What will their scaffolding be?Publish Post
Are you certain of your own morals and ethics? What things do you really believe in?
PS - One thing I KNOW I believe in is... The Mighty Fridge Chronicles. I'll be posting the linky tomorrow so start snapping away at that fridge! If you're wondering what I'm on about, you can find last month's Chronicles here. See you in the morning!
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