Wk 2 - The Art of Possibility Chapters 4-6 Reflection
Chapter 4: Contribution has no other side. I love this statement. There is no opportunity cost to contribution. There is no "what did you achieve" or "what did you fail at" when it comes to contributing something. I tend to wander this world wondering if I have done enough and if I were somewhere else would I be doing more, accomplishing more, and fulfilling more of my life? Being consumed by the What Ifs of life is not fun. I'm my own worst critic and always attempt to see the glass as half full, but more often I'll see if half empty. Eternal pessimist, woe is me participant? Not exactly. I just think I'm just too harsh on myself and the world around me. I foresee the negative so when the opposite happens, I'm pleasantly surprised by it. I've been working on changing this outlook. I related very much to the author when he suggested he was always looking for the next best thing, something better, something more. Throughout the "turbulent 20s" I have asked myself those questions thousands of times. Perhaps if I stopped looking for the better, the something more, I could focus on the now and present and learn to be happy with the circumstances that I have now, which, according to many people I talk to are actually very positive.
This game of contribution the author talks about is refreshing. I like when he stated, "there was no better orchestra than the one I was conducting, no better person to be with than the one I was with..." I have wanted to say and mean those words for a long time.
What will I contribute today? I'd like to say that I'm going to contribute a positive attitude to my friends and family and work towards fixing a situation that has gone bad in a long-term relationship. I'd like to make that person smile and realize he is something special and meaningful. Hopefully, this contribution will bring him happiness.
Chapter 5: How can we make a difference in the people we influence each day? How do we listen to those who make help us make our dreams a reality?
I think people need to stop focusing on what they can get out of what they do to help people and just help people. How can I be the "silent conductor" to my students? The entire anecdote about being a conductor and not only realizing he made a mistake, but apologized for it seems very interesting to me. I never realized the dynamic of an orchestra before. The way certain conductors are is much like some teachers in my school. Certain conductors are rigid, always blaming, never taking fault while others are so lackadaisical that they constantly apologize, even if they are right in their actions. I think the way to make a difference in a person is to be fully vested in that student, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the student.
I think the best way to listen to someone who is helping you achieve your dreams is to simply that... just listen. Do not look to what you can take from the advice right then, just listen and really understand what the person is saying because whoever it is, truly wants to see you succeed and the ultimate contribution to that person is to listen and succeed. When that happens there isn't a need for thank you’s because the person has witnessed your success. The greatest compliment is that success.
Chapter 6: Rule Number 6: Don’t take yourself so GD seriously. What are the other rules... there aren't any. I love this! I don't follow this rule AT ALL, but I love this chapter. The world would be a much happier place if everyone could follow Rule Number 6. We all need to get over ourselves. So true. This rule isn't about telling people to "chill out" and "relax" it's much more about telling people to look at what they are freaking out about and think for a second how silly and trivial it might be to the big picture.
This rule is much easier said than done. The ever present "measurement world" and "competitive world" we all live in. The "calculating self" is the survival of the fittest, flight or fight mentality that happens after the rose colored glasses of innocence come off. The calculating self is defined as the way a child is taught to think of himself/herself based on the recognition they got throughout childhood. I'm currently looking for my central self to shine through, but I do like the Best ____ Ever game. The story about June and her husband was very interesting. I thoroughly had the intention of just skimming through the story but was caught up in every word. It's nice to see people who are willing to "work" at things in relationships and not just throw the towel in a run away.
My comments: contributing my two "sense" worth
Jessica,
I think the common theme in your comments and the reading is to simply do our best, enjoy the moments, and our contributions will be meaningful. Sometimes our best is limited by outside factors but it’s all we can do with what we have at the time we’re doing it.
In my own life, a home renovation and an early childbirth, has meant temporary displacement for my small family. As I open the back passenger door of what has become my closet on wheels, I have to remind myself, if I did nothing then nothing would have changed and though its difficult our house will be safer, more comfortable, and a home again soon, so laugh and enjoy the time moments.
I think we can view the classroom from the same perspective and encourage our students in the same manner. Give them challenges that push their best efforts, allow them to grow in the process, and to take pride in the job they’ve done.
No comments:
Post a Comment