Introspective Advent #9 Learning Skills

As a disclaimer : I'm not answering to all the introspective advent prompts offered by The Nife, I prefer to focus on the one that resonate with me or the ones that I feel I have difficulties to tackle (meaning I'm onto something). 

Today's Introspection: Learning Skills

My 2013 objective/wish was: 
I can't say I had objectives per say, I had some wishes but nothing really firm. So for example I wanted to improve :

• my photography skills 
• my drawing skills (sketching more precisely)
• my teaching skills
• writing skills (both as a diarist and a fiction writer)

One thing I discovered also is that I want to sing and know how to use my voice.

What I succeeded at: 
Hum. 
There are no successes really. 
I did take action tho to improve in all of these areas. 

 I read my camera manual.






I purchased a book about drawing, as well as drawing tools and watercolor set. 




 Concerning work I went to a very inspiring workshop with Pascale Toscani, a researcher in neurosciences. I got some books from there too. I've also tried to motivate the teachers of my department to cooperate and create resources together. This is quite hard to put in place.




As for writing I am now part of a writing group, with some beautiful geeks. I've only been to one of the two meetings held till now. 

  

For the singing I went to a workshop over a weekend I've been thinking I'll get some lessons at the beginning of the new year, as I'm paying for therapy and the gym at the moment and can't afford everything. 


The difficulties I encountered: 
I'm not making time for any of this. I am not improving because I'm not practicing. I have the tools but they seem to just sit there as proofs of my intentions to better myself. 

The key learning I can remember from 2013: 
Maybe I need to set SMART goals and start getting accountable to friends and family. I always work better when I have to answer to my goals.

My objectives for 2014:

I actually have a project around the concept of the "uncanny" that I'll have to work on for an exhibition with my photography club.




I can finish the workbook based on a workshop, that should improve my skills. I like to follow this blogger too.




I'll make continuous efforts with my colleagues, read the books I purchased and see how to apply them. I'll set some goals concerning my expectations for the pupils' achievements and review the topics I want to work on. 




I actually found a course of action on The Guardian, and will try to follow it. This will be for the longer work (a novel!). For the shorter work I'll be more regular with my personal life record and attend the writing sessions. 
  

Clearly not a priority for now. However I can start looking at the kind of songs I want to sing and learn them.

Introspective Advent #4 Looks and Style

Today's Introspection : Looks/Style 

My 2013 objective/wish was:
I didn't have a particular objective starting 2013 concerning my style, my wardrobe editing or my purchase habits. The truth is I'm constantly editing my wardrobe, and usually when something comes in something goes out. I actually have to stop myself from getting rid of ill fitting clothes otherwise I wouldn't have much left to wear, and some outfits wouldn't be possible.

What I succeeded at:
I believe I only bought pieces I liked during the year or things I needed. This is mostly due to the fact I rarely go shopping for clothes (maybe once a month), and that I don't fall easily in love for a piece of clothes. Everything is weighted before I acquire it.
I finally invested in proper training gear and that was really motivating to get back to sports. I had been putting it off for a while, but it makes such a difference to feel comfortable in gym wear!
I also did well inventing outfits with what I had.

The difficulties I encountered:
There are a few difficulties, but the one I struggle most with is : being comfortable and feeling attractive at the same time! I want to feel warm, to not think about the way something is going to look so I can move around freely in the classroom, be active but I want to my clothes to be flattering.

The key learning I can remember from 2013:
This comes from The Nife post about the Weak Zone, the part of your body you neglect. I definitively neglect my upper body part especially because I'm extremely flat chested. 
Another thing : I realized I still loved having accessories but that I wanted better quality ones. I get less tired of them when I've chosen them carefully. 

My objective for 2014:

- find a gold and a silver accessories "uniform". This means a set of earrings/necklace/rings/watch I can wear in silver or gold and that will fit several outfit. 

- find my "style statement". I already bought the book. 

- get more comfortable underwear (including socks) I can wear almost every period of the month (pun intended) in style

- get proper hoisery (it can be so versatile!)

- get rid of the clothes I still keep that "maybes"

- go shopping! I often don't buy clothes I like or need, I just "make do" with what I have. Honestly at this point it is not about minimalism but more about neglecting this outter part of me and that's not satisfying. 

Introspective Advent : #3 Sport and Exercise

Today's Introspection: sports and exercise

My 2013 objective/wish was :

Getting back to regular exercise every week. Be gentle but constant.

What I succeeded at :

I joined two different types of sports club during the year. In the first part of the year I went to a Pilates class and then, when I went back to work, I bit the bullet and joined a gym. 

The difficulties I encountered :

I wasn't having fun ! The first part of the year was very beneficial, my Pilates teacher was really a nice and intuitive woman. I had several one on one classes with her and she helped me stretch so well I felt new each time I came out. But truth was, I missed a good moving around, feeling a bit of pain, the energy relief from sweating. I also realized that although I loved water I hadn't been to a swimming pool in ages. And that was something I wanted to get back to, it feels natural.

The key learning I can remember from 2013:

I need diversity and convenience, given that I'm not that into sports to start with. The gym I go to is a good option for me : it's on my way from work, the timetable matches my own pretty much, and I like the different activities they offer.

This pic is from last year. We did a little excursion with friends in the forest.

My objective for 2014:

I'd like to be more consistent. Since I've registered I've been 2-3 times every week, except the last as I was down with a cold, but it would be nice to do more of a 3-4 times thing and at least once when I'm under the weather. I'll try to catch up during the holidays.

The other thing is new : I'd like to go by bike to school. My school is now not so far from my house and it's only poor timing that made me go by car most days. 

Lastly I'd like to get more active with my boyfriend on the weekends. Especially go on walks. We're both prone to discard exercise if the weather is not to our liking and I think it's a mistake. 

Introspective Advent

Like many, I consider December to be a time to wrap up on unfinished projects from the year but also as a time to prepare the year ahead.

Following the lead of Kali from The Nife I'll try to look at the different aspects of my life.

My hope

I must confess 2013 has been the year of dissatisfaction despite some superb highlights. I know I'm prone to look at the darker side of life (I'm seriously critical), and I expect to see the positive and part with this year on a higher note.

I would also like to set some foundations for next year.