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What are the things in your life that you let get in the way of your happiness? Wthat are important and how do they help you reach your goals? The process?
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Discussion 3
Part 1
Directions: The answer must be strictly based on the story
The short story below uses objects to represent the various aspects of a person’s life. After
reading the story, think about the “rocks, pebbles and sand” in your own life. In the discussion
forum this week share answers to the following questions.
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What is the “sand,” or the things in your life that you let get in the way of your
happiness? 1 paragraph of 14 sentences or more
What are the things in your life that are important and how do they help you reach your
goals? 1 paragraph of 14 sentences or more
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When
the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded
to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar
lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the
remaining open areas of the jar.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks
are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if
everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the
other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the
small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the
rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you
will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are
critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will
always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal.”
“Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just
sand.”
Part 2
What is a process?
A process is something that involves clear steps. This week you will write a process paragraph.
Before you begin writing, take some time to brainstorm as many topics as possible. Even though
recipes involve clear steps, please do not write about a recipe. Below are some example topics
and topic sentences to help you start your brainstorming session. You may use one of the topics
below; however, you may select any topic that fits the assignment directions. The topic you
choose must be one that you know and understand how to describe since you will not include
any outside research. Your paragraph should be written entirely in your own words and from
your own knowledge of the topic. Include APA formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt. font,
double spacing and an APA formatted Cover Page.
Possible Topics and Topic Sentences:
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Framing a shed
If you consider yourself to be handy, you might be able to save money by following a
few steps and framing your own shed.
Completing a craft project
Have you ever heard people exclaim, “I could never do that! I am not crafty!”? If you
follow a few simple steps, you could create an amazing craft project.
Refinishing furniture
It is not as difficult as people think to turn a dented and worn out piece of furniture into a
refinished and expensive looking finished product.
Building a computer from scratch
There is no need to call the “Geek Squad” ever again. If you follow these simple steps,
you will be able to build your own computer from the ground up.
Cleaning a fish tank
Humans are not the only ones who like to live in a clean environment.
Selecting and enrolling a child in daycare
It is never easy to decide who should care for your child, so many parents follow a few
simple steps when selecting and enrolling their children in a daycare.
Once you have selected a topic, you will write a paragraph (more than 15 complete sentences)
that describes your process in clear and simple steps. Your audience is anyone who has never
completed the process you are describing. Avoid using the word “I” in your paragraph. Plan to
attend one of the scheduled live lectures prior to starting your writing assignment.
Begin your paragraph with a strong and clear topic sentence that pulls your reader in and grabs
his/her attention. For each step of your process, include a main idea sentence that introduces the
step. Then, follow that main idea sentence with one or two additional sentences that further
explain or describe that part of the process. These additional sentences are called supporting
details or elaboration. Your process topic should include a minimum of three steps. End your
paragraph with a concluding sentence.
NOTE: Part A and B should be submitted each in a separate word file, well formatted in APA.
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