I really enjoy writing in my journal about both personal and professional experiances and reflecting on my day. I have noticed that I only write about things that have gone wrong or upset me. I never seem to reflect on something I did really well to see why it was really good and commend myself, next week my focus will be writing in both positive and negative things as i feel that even the good should be noted and reflected upon.
Whats everyones thoughts?
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a very common theme throughout every ones journals (especially dancers!!).
It has its good points and bad points. It's a great thing that we are so aware of our mistakes; you've got to notice your mistakes in order to correct them! However, focusing on all the negative aspects of our day to day lives doesn't put us in a good frame of mind and saps away at our self esteem.
I think your plan to focus on being both positive and negative is a great idea, as that's a huge part of being truly objective; learning to observe things you have done well and not feeling self indulgent or arrogant whilst doing so.
Hi Michelle
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts...
I have two journals, one personal and one professional and I will choose to publish my reflections, thoughts and experiences about a select few incidents of my professional life. We all have wonderful, positive moments during the day but I wish to explore how I can improve on certain things by reflecting then learning. This is the direction that the 'Reflective Journal' has taken me to. After all, dancers are creative people and during our years of training, we have been conditioned to constantly improve in all areas. I don't believe we make so many 'mistakes', I just see it as I wasn't 'satisfied' with that process or outcome. Liam has brought up a good point that we (dancers) are or could become very critical of oursleves and this could become distructive. But a few words of praise or encouragement from a colleague or stranger lifts our spirit and you realise that you are doing the best of your abilities. I don't think it would be wrong to write about positive experiences and your feelings about them. It's whatever feels right for you. I look forward to reading about them.
Thank you both for your advise,By writing in my journal I have found that I am never 100% happy with anything I do.I seem to give myself a hard time about the simplest of things. Like liam said by focussing on the negative certainly doesn't put us in a good frame of mind. I felt I was very critical on the smallest of things!
ReplyDeleteCorinda I like your way of thinking that reflection is on areas which you want to improve not which I failed to succeed.
I have found this week leaving me feeling much better and happier about the way my learning is going.
How's everyone else going on?