Spiritual Wellbeing

Question #1. There are so many global issues that can challenge your values and ethics. Values and ethics without challenges are fairly hollow ideals because you don’t really have an opportunity to practice them. It’s only when you are able to stand by them when it is difficult that they are really meaningful. Global warming for example is an issue that even though many people believe that it’s a serious issue, they are unwilling to make any real change to their lifestyle in order to address it. The current pandemic is testing values of people in all kinds of ways. Some people who claimed to be big supporters of police are now actively protesting against them since the police activity finally affects them. People who are against migrants and refugees quickly fled NYC or other affected areas when they started to fear for their safety. If you only believe something when it applies to other people, how is that ethical? True values and ethics are something you try to live out in your daily life even though it might he hard on you. You might not always succeed, but at least you try to walk the walk.
Question #2. I think helping others gives me a sense of meaning and purpose in my life. I think that’s a large part of what drew me to teaching – you’re able to make an impact on the lives of so many people and hopefully that will help make this world a better place. Beings able to bring someone joy also helps me feel a sense of meaning. Just being able to make a friend laugh feels like an accomplishment. One of the things that has constantly motivated me to do things is the idea of “If not you, then who?” Growing up in a family that did a lot of volunteering around the parish, I always felt a lot of social responsibility. No one will live forever, but hopefully I can do some small part to help make the world a better place.
Question #3. Not feeling appreciated can definitely challenge my sense of purpose and make me wonder if I’m really making a difference or just running in circles. Selfish people can also challenge my sense of purpose and connectedness. It makes me wonder why I keep trying to fight a losing battle in the ‘good versus evil’ of the world when it seems like there is nothing but negativity in the news, etc. When the rest of the world starts to feel too harsh, I try to pull back and re-center by focusing on things more within my control, trying to focus on positive little details that can be appreciated. Uncertainty is also a huge challenge - it's hard for me to try to plan for something I'm unsure of and I overthink every possible outcome which is overwhelming.
 
Activity:

Goal-Oriented
Resilient
Optimistic
Willing
Trusting
Hopeful