I just finished reading some of the nicest journal entries from my level 2 writing students. Their assignment was to write 1 paragraph (~8 sentences) about things they like about themselves followed by 1 paragraph (~8 sentences) about things they disliked (physical appearance, personality, abilities, etc). Almost all of them started their entry with "this was really hard for me to write about..." Now if it had been me, it would have been because I couldn't think of enough good things to write. But all of them mentioned it was difficult because they couldn't think of things they disliked.
I know what you're thinking. Arrogant Asians, right?
But no, this class is actually mostly Hispanic students, all from different cultures, some LDS, some not. All of them said the loveliest things about themselves without being a bit proud or obnoxious. And their dislikes were honest, but not degrading or full of self-loathing. I don't know what went wrong in my wiring, but I've never been like that. What good things I could come up with were usually short and half hearted and the bad list long and self-contemptuous.
I'm not hinting at a "oh, no you're so wonderful" kind of comment to this post. I'm just wondering what you would have written about yourself. Would the postivies or negatives have been easier?
3 comments:
That's an interesting question. I like a lot of things about myself, but I also could think of many things that I would like to change. Honestly, I bet I'm split about 50/50. For every good thing, I bet I could pick out something that I disliked.
Interesting question, ixoj!
Most def the negative would have been easier. I've done this exercise before. So pathetic that the dislikes were so much easier than the likes.
BTW Brock got me the dutch oven for my birthday and at an extremely discounted price ($145) at an outlet store. Yup, it's a second (defect), but it's completely perfect besides someone itched a small b under the lid.
I think I agree with M. I really do like a lot of things about myself, but there are definitely things I don't.
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