Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Time and Token essays

Time and Token essays During Chapter Five of The Great Gatsby, time and money are major underlying concepts, although at times they can be inconsistent with previous details of the story. There is a presence of inconsistency with Gatsbys time and money, during his visit to Nicks house he states that he earned money to buy his house in three years, but before he had told Nick that he had inherited all of his riches. Another discrepancy involves Gatsbys shy, nervous manner in the beginning of the scene, while the scene ends with him being overwhelmed with happiness. Gatsbys time and money are the two topics in this chapter that are mentioned very frequently and are most likely large factors in the conclusion of the novel. When Jay Gatsby visits Nicks house to meet Daisy, he is trying to create a perfect impression upon Daisy, even asking for Nicks lawn to be cut as well as his own before the tea party. Gatsby wears a gold-colored tie with a silver shirt in a white flannel suit, obviously attempting to lure Daisy into a relationship using his wealth. While he is guiding Nick and Daisy around his house, he manages to show Daisy all of his costly foreign shirts and piling them on the floor as if they were worthless to him. Daisys upset and attachment to his clothes may hint that she is willing to have a relationship with Gatsby. When Daisy arrives at Nicks house, Gatsby is impatient, nervous, and incredibly pale in color before seeing his lost love whom he hasnt seen for almost five years. At the end of the chapter, Gatsby is unbelievably happy knowing that after five years he has finally come to confront Daisy and show his love for her. ...

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Creating the Holidays the Way You Want Them

Creating the Holidays the Way You Want Them The Holiday Haze This Thanksgiving, I spent my holiday in Dallas with my brother-in-law’s family. They have been very warm and welcoming to me, which I truly appreciate. And there are challenges spending a holiday with a family that’s not mine. Being the personal growth enthusiast and spiritually oriented person that I am, I tend to want to reflect over Thanksgiving dinner on my own gratitude, and to hear from everyone at the table what they are thankful for. At my brother-in-law’s parents’ table, I don’t feel empowered to create that experience. In fact, I’ve been warned that requesting such a ritual would not go over well with this family. In the holiday haze, it’s easy to get lost in what other people want. And it’s not very satisfying or nourishing. After the experience I had at Thanksgiving, I became more aware of social dynamics and what kinds of interactions and communications at a gathering feel nourishing to me. Getting Satisfied Last week, I attended the birthday party of my long-time friend Bruce. After some time had passed with small groups in isolated conversations about topics like the movie A Star is Born, the birthday boy announced that he wanted everyone to come together. We gladly obliged and many of us, with the group intact, shared meaningful stories about Bruce and appreciated him for his strengths. I noticed myself feeling much more present and enjoying being part of the circle much more than when the group was fragmented. I ended up staying at the event for hours. I organized two events myself this season, one on the first night of Hanukkah and one on the last night. At both, the conversation remained a group conversation, and I had no doubt but that I belonged, that everyone there belonged, and that the sense of cohesion was a draw for all of us to want to be together and see each other again. Bucking the System So often, I doubt myself and my intuition, think maybe the other person or people won’t want what I want, don’t even ask for the thing that feels right to me. Or I think I have to follow the original plan, even if I change my mind and don’t like it anymore. I’m watching myself carefully this season, listening to my gut and asserting my desires more. Today, that was as simple as suggesting that I meet a friend at a cafà © instead of at her house (the original plan) because, well, just because it’s what I wanted. What does it look like for you to create your holiday experience the way you want it? With whom and where do you want to spend your time? What conversations do you want to have? What would make you feel truly satisfied? I invite you not to compromise, even if you think other people won’t like your ideas. You might be pleasantly surprised.