Open-mindedness exercise2

The second exercise involves thinking about a consistent argument that crops/cropped up with my children and making three points from their side of the argument.
This is a bit tricky because my girls have been left home for a couple of years.
I suppose one argument that always cropped up was being home late. So here goes.

1. Allowing your sixteen-year-old daughter to come in at the time she chooses shows that as a parent you are trusting and supportive of your child.


2. Perhaps she is less likely to make an attempt at behaviour that runs outside the realms of what we consider ‘normal’ (whatever that is).


3. Allowing boyfriends to stay over means she is more likely to take precautions when having sex.

Openmindedness exercise

Now I like to think of myself (and the character tests I have done seem to concur that I am indeed) an open-minded person and I know that this is one of my major character strengths.
To test this I thought I would partake in an exercise recommended by the ‘authentic happiness’ website. This involves finding three genuine reasons why someone has wronged me in the past.
This is probably the most emotive subject I could think of as my wife took 65% in the divorce settlement and I was left with a paltry 35%. This is something that still causes me a great deal of anger and resentment so here goes with three valid reasons why she would do this. I am going to find this exceedingly tough.

1. She believed her financial contributions exceeded mine throughout our marriage in terms of total ‘monetary’ value as she was the higher earner.


2. She suffers from depression and her medication is not a good combination when taken with alcohol.


3. Her solicitor was attempting to get the best possible deal for her and she was persuaded by her to pursue this.

That’s about the best I can come up with.

My Top Strengths

Having completed a 240 online questionnaire that determines your top five character traits from a list of 24, these are the results. I am in total agreement with the findings. The only one that did give me a little surprise was number 5, bravery and valour. I don’t really consider myself as a brave person although after reading the definition perhaps it is closer to the truth than I thought.

Judgment, critical thinking and open-mindedness are my number one top strengths. The ability to think things through and examine them from all sides and these are important aspects of who I am. I don’t jump to conclusions and rely on solid evidence to make decisions. I am also able to change my mind.

Honesty, authenticity and genuineness are very important aspects to how I live my life. I am down to earth with NO pretence and that makes me a ‘real’ person.

Fairness, equity and justice. Treating all people fairly is one of my abiding principles. I don’t let my personal feelings bias my decisions about other people and I give everyone a chance.

Love of learning new things whether in a class or on my own is my fourth strength. I love reading and relish the opportunity to learn.

Bravery and Valour. I am surprised by the fact that this is one of my top five strengths. Apparently I am courageous and don’t shrink from the threats, challenges difficulties or pain. I certainly know that I speak up for what is right even under opposition and I do act on my convictions.

Count My Blessing

Three things I count my blessings for.

Having a mate - Jason
Having an honest relationship with Angie
Having read about Positive Psychology.