by trinket1959 » 26.08.2011, 19:17
Maturity Test
Confirm or deny the following questions as honestly as you can.
1. Can I stand up against the group when I think that what they are doing is wrong?
Standing up against a group implies that there are hard fast issues set forth i.e.: abortion rights for, or against. I think I would have to say yes if I believed with all my heart in one side or the other. I feel some issues are a matter of choice and each person has the right to choose. We are all guilty of not coming forward to champion the underdog as we let government railroad us and lie to us everyday…and we take it. On a personal level, standing up for yourself against a drunk, or a bully, or an abuser is a much more difficult thing to do and even to voice an opinion can carry severe repercussions. Courage and a backup plan are necessary if you are to survive.
2. I can pass up immediate pleasure for future gain.
As a mother and a step mother I have practiced passing things up my whole life. Priorities are set and goals are worked toward. One step at a time, one day at a time, always with tomorrow in mind.
3. I think about and respect the feelings of others.
I have always been respectful of others. In later years I have also been able to say what my feelings are as well because my feelings count too. I am guilty of giving into others too easily in the past and have had experiences that were in no way pleasing to me…this fact matters to me now. I expect my feelings to matter to others as well.
4. My parents can depend on me to help at home.
For the past decade I took care of my mother. She lived in a care home but I was her only child living in the same province. I have wonderful memories of her for having spent the time I did with her. She passed away August 3rd, 2011.
5. I do my school assignments on my own, thoroughly and on time.
As a teacher I obviously honed this skill early in my life. I do not believe in homework for students. To me homework is just the same as going to work and having your boss send you home with work to do when your work day is done. Everyone still needs their family time, play time, down time, and rest time. Teachers now days need to realize this and doing more in the classroom to instil the information in their students not just try to prove how much smarter than their students they are.
6. I can face frustrations, discomfort or defeat without complaining or falling apart.
Most definitely, they are all facts of life that everyone at some point in time deals with in their lives. Learning from these set backs is what builds character.
7. I take responsibility for my own behaviour. (I do not pass the blame on to others).
I always try to own my own consequences. I am not sure who said it but I once learned a quote that said “You are not a failure until you blame someone else”; I try to remember this at all times.
8. I can control my anger and settle disputes reasonably without becoming violent or destructive.
I think I have learned this lesson well and I think also this lesson comes with age. I had times in my youth when I was a little reckless and self destructive. The only one I ever really hurt was me.
9. I can admit my mistakes without trying to make excuses for them.
Once again this is: “owning your own consequences”. Everyone makes mistakes, what we learn from them and moving forward past that lesson is what counts.
10. I think about how something will affect others before I do it.
I generally don’t set out to do something that would in anyway bring grief to anyone so this question seems strange to me. I am courteous and respectful of others.
11. I can accept criticisms graciously.
Man this question is loaded. It would depend on who was criticizing and in what capacity. I will NEVER again take criticism from any person who thinks that I need to change to meet their expectations. Nor will I ever take criticism that attacks me on a human level. I am but a student and a visitor on this earth, the same as everyone else, and I will do the best I can to be the best I can. I owe no explanation for my existence.
12. I need people.
I love people. I like talking to people, watching people, learning about people and helping people. I love spending time with my family, especially my kids and grandkids. I guess I need people, but I do love my solitude when they are not with me. I can go days and never talk on the phone (if my kids can stand it that long)
13. I don't find it impossible to do hard work.
The work is the work whether it is hard or not…it has to be done. I believe that when the work is done it should be done properly the first time. I am not a duct tape kind of person.
14. I don't always and easily get emotionally involved with every attractive person.
This is a bazaar question. Anyone who always and easily gets involved with “eye candy” is still under 15 years old. I learned long ago that a book can not be judged by its cover. Looks are the most superficial aspect of any relationship.
15. I can regard members of the opposite sex as friends.
Well if they are not friends then I guess they must be strangers. I have a few male friends so I guess my answer is yes.
Summary
Reflect on your answers to the test. What unfortunate incidents took place because of your lack of maturity? Whom did you hurt? Is it not too late to set the record straight? What lesson does the experience teach you?
I have hurt myself most of all throughout my life. I have always been my own worst enemy in so many choices I have made. I am trying to set the record straight with myself and move into a more comfortable relationship with myself. I am many things to many people. I am a Nana, Mom, Friend, Helper, Teacher and Sister. Like I said, I cared for my mom until her death and I have no regrets. I am taking back my own life now and finding my own wings and making my own plans. I have no children at home and no pets and no husband; I have only myself to take care of and to plan for, and it is a learning curve to be sure. I am making my plans for my life and hopefully the people I love fit into my design…that will be their choice.
