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| Past Winners |
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To participate in 2009 TOY contest and be a DreamAxis Talent simply fill the
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Already a DreamAxis Talent?
To participate in 2009 TOY contest just log-in and click on the button "Register for 2009 TOY Contest" on your profile page.
You do NOT need to submit a new application.
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See Top 10 Winners for Talent of the year (TOY) 2004 Contest
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Jessica Jones: Winner TOY 2004
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| Jessica's Thoughts on Happiness: |
| What is happiness? |
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I think what makes people happy might be as different as each individual. Some may think that happiness is the American dream. Many people derive happiness from comic relief, good deeds, or simply from appreciation for life. No matter where one seeks happiness, this state of being is something people strive their whole lives to achieve. Happiness is the most important dream to be fulfilled. For me happiness is being content within myself and having a sense of positive well being. Feeling proud of all my accomplishments and doing so while keeping all my values and morals intact. I believe that happiness is being aware not only of the positive events that occur in your life but also that you yourself are the cause of these events--that you can create them, that you control their occurrence, and that you play a major role in the good things that happen to you. Feelings of joy or happiness might be short lived with each moment. You might feel happiness from watching a sunset or sunrise. Watching a child at play. Seeing your favorite team win. Sitting by a fireplace with someone you love. Acts of kindness. My friends and family are the most important things in my life. Love is the propellant of our lives. Having love for your family, God and friends makes you content and bring happiness. My family is very close and spending time with them at holidays, or just doing everyday activities makes me happy. I'm always upbeat and positive and I think that is a major part of maintaining ones happiness. If you know someone that is a negative person, they are always complaining, these are unhappy people. I always try to make the best out of everything, find the best in people. Positive attitudes makes good thinks happen in your life, which in turn creates happiness. Of course, though to a lesser degree, happiness is also the awareness that you can prevent negative events from happening. This sense of mastery over both the good and bad events in your life contribute to an overall sense of well-being. I see happiness as deeper than a momentary good mood--as an enduring sense of positive well-being, an ongoing perception that life is fulfilling, meaningful, and contentment.
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| 3 things that make me most happy |
- Happiness is my family. We have been through so much this last two years with my Grandmothers heath. I rushed her to the ER 2 years ago this month and they said she had a dissected aorta (John Ritter died of that) and an abdominal aneurysm. They took her by care flight to the Cleveland clinic and it has been a roller coaster ride ever since. Last January they gave her 1 week to live. Needless to say she's doing great and we celebrated her 7th birthday on the 9th of January. Now that is what happiness is all about.
- Happiness is also helping others. That's why I got involved with the Rama Road Rally. They are involved with children charities. My first dream was to become a pediatrician, so anything with children is wonderful, especially helping them. I also have helped out at the VA center in Dayton. I started going out there when I was in 5th grade. They picked ten kids from all of the school in the greater Dayton area that year to go there to delivery Valentine cards to the residents. I have to say it was a great eye opener for me. I saw people from all walks of life there. I met this little old man that had been in World War 1 and 2. He had a hard the seeing or hearing, but we kind of clicked. He gave me his address to write him because he said he was lonely. I started writing him and a few others that year and continued till each one passed away. I felt so rewarded over that and got a lot out of it too. I continue to this day to make my visits there. I also volunteered my spare time in the special Ed class at school. For a while I wanted to be a special Ed teacher. I absolutely loved my kids I worked with. Doing charity and volunteer work is so very rewarding and the happiness it brings watching peoples face you help is uplifting.
- I have to say something else that's brought me happiness is my Yahoo group. I have met so many wonderful people over the last 17 months that I've had it. I just never dreamed I would be so personally involved with so many people from all over the world. My webbie is from Belgium, and we are just the closest of friends, more like family. I also started a special program before Christmas to get as many Yahoo models together to send Christmas Cards over to the GI. I was thrilled over the success we had. I now am in contact with many of the guys that I sent to. I guess it shows, you can make new friends and find happiness in the strangest place.
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| 3 things that make me most unhappy |
- I'm a happy person by nature so it is things that are out of my control that make me unhappy. As I said my family is everything to me and we have been going through a family crisis right now. Two days after my Grandmothers 78th birthday was my Grandfathers 81th birthday. He decided he was some young guy and climbed a ladder and fell. He was rushed to the ER and came home later that night being told he fractured a vertebra. A few days later he was much worse with other problems and rushed back. He has been in the hospital for over a week now, and it is so sad to watch him going through this pain.
- Obviously the war is something that not only makes me, but I'm sure most of the world unhappy. It's been very hard watching so many of my friends have to go over there and fight and risk their lives. One of my high school boyfriends has been over their serving as a medic and when he was home I couldn't believe the change in him. He has terrible nightmares, and a quick temper. He isn't anything at all like the person he was, so happy go lucky with everyone. I guess being in the field in a MASH unit, what he has had to see is something no one should have to go through.
- This past years weather has been so terrible with the hurricanes in Florida to the Tsunami in Asia. I don't even think unhappy is a strong enough word for this. The loss of lives and the destruction of whole cities, property and coastlines were so horrific it is beyond words. Watching the news of all those peoples lives being changed forever. Yes, it does make me unhappy there isn't more I can do to help. Sending money and supplies is wonderful, but will anything ever repair these cities, and lives?
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Rayne Ahn: First Runner-Up TOY 2004
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| Rayne's Thoughts on Happiness: |
| What is happiness? |
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Happiness can mean so many different things for so many people. I guess it depends on your state of mind and where you are in your life. For children, it may be something as simple as getting the latest toy or watching their favorite movie or just being able to play and make new friends. For teens, it may be the feeling of gaining a little more independence and looking forward to their first dance, first kiss or getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time. As adults, it may be the accomplishment of finishing college, finding your very own space or meeting that perfect someone to share it all with. For some it may be getting that job or assignment you worked so hard for or knowing they are going to a job that doesn't really feel like work at all. For parents, it may be the miracle of having their first child, watching all of their "first moments", sending them out on their own and then finally getting back to themselves as a couple. Who really knows...but maybe it is something as simple as being content with which you are and the life you lead. After all, somebody out there said, "In order to truly be happy, you must first be happy with yourself." Sometimes it can be difficult, but I really believe this is true.
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| 3 things that make me most happy |
- My family and friends make me happy. The love that we have for one another and the support that we give each other is so strong. Not just within the immediate family (even though my daughters are my life and light up my every moment), but our extended family members as well and all of the friends we accumulate as our family grows. We all do our best to attend games, ceremonies and family gatherings. We always remember each other's birthdays and special occasions. It just gives us another reason to get together. How could we not be happy seeing everyone with a smile on their face, seeing the closeness that so many take for granted, or enjoying the time together that so many don't get the opportunity to share in?
- My accomplishments make me happy. It was a long and sometimes difficult journey to get to where I am today. I have always tried to lead my life in a way that I could be proud of. Even though others may not have approved, I'm happy knowing that all of my efforts have led to the wonderful life and family I have now. My life may not be perfect, but it's mine and after working so hard and making so many sacrifices, I now have the opportunity to explore other avenues that I couldn't take advantage of before, which resorts back to my family and friends and the love and support they give to help me achieve my dreams. I'm over 30 now and I'm not taking anything for granted, but time and circumstance willing, I'm going to take every opportunity brought my way and make the most of it.
- Shopping makes me very happy! I'm not materialistic, I just like to shop. We all indulge in it...some more than others. For me, it is a stress reliever and picks me up. But what you may find strange is that I don't shop for myself very often. I'm always picking up things that remind me of someone else. I look forward to special occasions, so I can buy what I think is the perfect gift. It doesn't have to be expensive or huge. I do my best to really put some thought behind each purchase. It makes it all worthwhile when they smile or I get that huge, "almost pass out" kind of hug. It may sound corny or cliche, but that smile is contagious and I love it! If you have seen the movie "Elf" then you'll know where this saying comes from. "Smiling is my favorite." And if you haven't seen it, you should.
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| 3 things that make me most unhappy |
- Arrogance makes me unhappy. People who act as though they are above or better than someone else will tend to rub me the wrong way. I've met many people that try so hard to play the wrong game in life. People who make offers or throw their money or possessions up in your face to impress you or belittle you. People who walk all over you because they have money or just because they think they can are very arrogant. Do they seriously think that their money makes them better than someone else? Then there are those that won't give others the time of day because they think their good looks make them better than someone who isn't quite as attractive. Don't they realize that even though their exterior comes in a pretty package, when they act like that toward others it just makes them plain "ugly"? Come on folks...just be real and just be yourself.
- Ignorance makes me unhappy. This can lead into a ton of topics, but I won't lecture. It just drives me crazy when people don't educate themselves. It doesn't mean spend your life in the library. It just means think about what you say sometimes. You have to give respect in order to get it. People who seem to swear every other word, or intentionally act "ghetto" because they think it's cool, or get on the “soap box" on topics they know nothing about; they just sound ignorant. People who pretend to be someone or something that they are not end up looking like an idiot. Again, people just need to be real. It will make everyone a lot happier in the long run...including himself or herself.
- Seeing my parents struggle after all they have done for my brother and me makes me unhappy. They are at retirement age; the age in their lives when they should be able to relax a little, reflect on their achievements, play with their grand children and enjoy each other's company. It's not that way for them (as I'm sure for so may other parents as well). It's not something I can talk or think about without getting upset because of the love I have for them, so I'll just stop here with... don't forget who you are or where you come from and remember to lend your support when you can. You never know when you may be on the receiving end.
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Maria Brunese: Second Runner-Up TOY 2004
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| Maria's Thoughts on Happiness: |
| What is happiness? |
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Happiness is good fortune, prosperity, good health, mental clarity, emotional balance and spiritual fulfillment. We each have our own idea and experience of good fortune. Happiness is a state of mind. Life is filled with experiences. Everything that happens is perceived as good or bad. Even the same thing can be seen opposite ways. What makes one man cheer makes another weep. Whatever feelings arise within a person based on their perception is for the most part only momentary. No matter what the situation is sooner or later it will change. How does one become happy then? Is it possible to live a happy life, instead of just happy moments?Of course, every person has the ability to achieve happiness. To do this it is important to stop perceiving what is experienced as either positive or negative. See what has happened as that which happened. There is a Taoist story of an old farmer and his son whose only possession was one horse. One day the horse ran away.Upon hearing the news, the neighbors came to visit "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "Maybe," the farmer replied.The following morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed."Maybe," replied the farmer.The next day, the son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg.The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune."Maybe," answered the farmer.The day after, military officials came to the village to draft every able-bodied man into the army.Only the farmer's son, because he had a broken leg, remained.The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out."Maybe," said the farmer.Most of us divide up our life experiences into those we like and those we don't. Look deeper. In the flow of yin and yang everything is constantly changing into its opposite. The more we live with awareness of the inevitable tides of Life, the more it seems superficial and misguided to reject some experiences and try to hold onto others. It is better to accept the wholeness of life. What is obvious is not always what is truly precious. Take the time to look deeper into a situation or opportunity; what at first may seem worthless can become valuable. Trust in the universe. It knows what it is doing. As bad situations will turn to good ones so do good situations turn into something else? We must be willing to make the kind of changes in our own being that will allow that situation to evolve into a positive and harmonious one.It is essential to accept yourself too. Some abilities come natural. But we all have weaknesses and faults. To recognize and accept both as part of us means there can be improvement for life. Take time to explore just what it is that interests you. A life spent working at a job that you are unsuited for will only produce misery and regrets. Realizing who you really are you realize your path of happiness. The kind of work you would be happiest in means you will be successful in it because doing it makes you happy. It is not just a job. It is often our internal approach to a problem or situation that is even more important than whatever outer form our actions may take. It is also on the internal planes that we have the most control and influence, both on the situation itself and our own personal well being.If we have no power to change the past and cannot, as of yet, have any power over the future, then the present moment is where we need to focus our energies and intent.A happy life is one in which we have our basic needs met, we have compassion, and we are able to enjoy ourselves. Periodically, we should ask ourselves: can we use compassion and kindness with strangers or people that we find strange? Can we extend ourselves to others, even when we don't know them? Can we offer what we have to those who have nothing, even when they are not our family or friends?When we realize that whatever we have will be enough; when we are happy with whatever level of success we have attained; when we are willing to share our wealth and when we are not afraid of losing it; then we know that we have achieved true happiness. When we learn to be satisfied with what we have or with what happens, then whatever else we ATTAIN will seem like treasure.
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| 3 things that make me most happy |
- GIVING AND SHARING
- CHILDREN'S INNOCENCE
- GRATITUDE
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| 3 things that make me most unhappy |
- IGNORANCE
- DECEPTION
- GREED
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Top 10 Winners for Talent of the year (TOY) 2004 Contest
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