"Reflection is part of your work"

As someone who spent years journaling, I truly related to George Couros' blog post on "Blogging".  In fact reading it made me want to resurrect this cathartic hobby that I neglected years ago.  The notion of using blogging as a means to grow as a professionals makes sense, yet because I only journaled in the context of expressing myself personally and emotionally this would be a slightly new and varied experience for me.  

I am going to compare the values of journaling for personal reasons vs. for professional purposes.  I think that as I work this out through writing I will come to a clearer conclusion.  And isn't that just the philosophy George's blogging philosophy states! 

My favourite line in his blog was "Before I started blogging, I would tend to be much more reactive than proactive.  By looking back, it was much easier to look forward". Yes!  This applies to anyone journaling about personal feelings OR writing about their professional journey.  In both cases, being able to get the thoughts and ideas down is step one to clarity and direction.  But having the ability to look back later and reflect on the failures and successes could provide valuable wisdom going forward.  And what's most amazing is that the wisdom gained would be most authentic as it would be provided by oneself!   

In my own experience with journaling throughout my formative years, many of my entries were in regards to interpersonal relationship issues that were easier to work out on my own through writing.  Just as George outlines, once can place value to the ability to look back.  I too remember finding reward in that process.  For example, I could go back and read about similar situations I had been through and learn through past interactions.  I was suddenly more privy to red flags yet also comforted to read when similar experiences worked out fine.  

Perhaps on this same thread, journaling about how we have met greatest success in our interpersonal relationships with students, parents and colleague could help us in the future. Although I think George was mainly referring to journaling about our practice itself and new initiative trialed, any time we provide ourselves with the ability to improve upon our practice through reflection there is benefit. 

Therefore I do believe that journaling/blogging in either context is closely intertwined.  And if we keep personal development and reflection at the core while blogging then it is surely a beneficial vehicle for growth.  Our blog could bring comfort to readers, whether that being a fresh audience or our future selves! 

George Couros' article"

https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3531