English 12
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Mr. Stockton
Mr. Stockton
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Rhetorical choices 2 Empty Rhetorical choices 2

Tue Jan 07, 2020 9:47 am
Rhetorical choices 2

Rhetorical choices 2 Soul10

Voice actor Amen-Ra Palacio did his “This Is Not The End” speech on overcoming depression and mental illness in 2016 for FearlessSoul, a marketer of inspirational speeches and music. The following passage is an excerpt from the speech that has inspired many. Read the passage carefully. Then, write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Palacio makes to achieve the purpose.

In your response you should do the following:

Respond to the prompt with a thesis that analyzes the writer’s rhetorical choices.
Select and use evidence to develop and support your line of reasoning.
Explain the relationship between the evidence and your thesis.
Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.
Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

"I want you to know that, no matter where you are in life… No matter how low you have sunk… No matter how bleak your situation… This is NOT THE END.

This is not the end of your story
This is not the final chapter of your life.

I know it may be hard right now, but if you just hang in there, stick it out, stay with me for a little while… you will find, that this tough moment will pass, and, if you are committed to USING this pain, 
using it to build your character, 
finding a greater MEANING for the pain, 
you will find that, in time, 
you can turn your life around, and help others going through the same struggles.

It’s estimated almost half the population suffers from depression at some stage throughout their life.

Rather than join the cue, it’s important we learn why we get down, and then how we can change it, because believe it or not, we create our own negative feelings and we can also ensure that we turn our lives around and be a positive change for others.

The reason anyone gets depressed always comes down to the CONSISTENT thoughts we think, and the CONSISTENT beliefs we hold.

Let me say that again.

The reason anyone gets depressed always comes down to the CONSISTENT thoughts we think, and the CONSISTENT beliefs we hold.

If I believe I am fat, horrible, ugly and unworthy of love, I will most likely become depressed or have depressive thoughts.

If my thought process is “I must be in a relationship and earn X amount to be happy” I might get depression if I don’t achieve those goals.

The point here is that anyone that is depressed, is so, because there is an external factor that didn’t materialize in their life – 

i.e…. They have lost something outside of their control, or don’t have something that is out of their control, 

the most common reasons for depression are : a lost a job, relationship break downs or non existence, body image, comparison to others.

In school we are taught how to get a job, but no one teaches us how to live in a state of happiness. 

No one teaches us how important our conscious and unconscious thoughts and associations are.

Is our happiness not worth more than a job?  Yes it is.

And before you say, happiness won’t pay my bills – happiness WILL pay your bills, when you realize you will be 10 times more energized, focused and take positive action in your life, when you FIRST choose to develop yourself as a priority, and THEN get to all the “stuff” of the world.

I’ve seen some people, who many would consider to “have it all” end their life because they thought they were not good enough. A thought, a belief within them told them they were not worthy. These people that many were jealous of, many envious of, were not good enough.  You must value yourself enough, to take the time EVERY SINGLE DAY to work on you. To engage in something, that will ensure you are a positive influence on the world.

This of course doesn’t mean life will suddenly be perfect. The same life-challenges will show up, but if your mind is strong, if you mind is at peace, your REACTION to the challenging times will be very different.

Your reaction will be HOW CAN I MAKE THIS WORK, not ‘why is this happening to me’.

And then others will look to you, not with pity but with HOPE, because your strength will become their HOPE, their strength.

You really can be that powerful.

You can ditch the victim story, you can leave the pain behind and FOCUS on how you will react next. How you will react positively.

Read. Read all you can read to get your mind in a positive place.  Take steps to ensure you will be in a better position next time – whatever pain you are suffering – how can you ensure it won’t show again – 

Take little steps… and soon you will be at the top of the staircase.

Don’t give up! You are worthy! You are more than worthy! You deserve to experience how great life can be – and you owe it to the world to be that positive change for others. To inspire others – who will look to you and say – he did it, she did it, and I can do it too."
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