iTHINK

It's not just about what we think, but how we communicate what we are thinking. Blogging can be very personal but it can also be very manicured. Our thoughts are not always manicured.



This week we are reflecting on patterns of thinking but these patterns are often shaped by our language. For example in the Chinese language, everything is contextual. Each word has meaning based on the words it is combined with. This shapes the way people relate to the world and the way they relate to one another. In the Chinese culture, life is circular and everything is connected. You cannot have light without dark and one compliments the other.




In the English language, things seem to be more linear, more direct. How does this shape how we interact with one another? We interact head-on. Assertive. We also have a culture of where freedom of speech is honored. Because I was born speaking Chinese, I think this has shaped the foundation of how I see the world. I recently took a personality strengths test at work and found how important connectedness is to me. On the other hand, I have lost much of my Chinese language skills and have grown up in American cultures, speaking the English language. My relationship with these two languages has truly made me adaptable to many different ways of thinking, being and connecting with others. This is one of my most valuable skills in my Social Work.

In reflecting on which hat I wear, I would have to say it depends on where I am at physically and mentally. In one day, I can wear all of them! Because connectedness with others and the world is something which is super important to me,  it is also important for me to understand how I am easily affected by these connections. My most valuable skill in Social Work is also my Kryptonite.


         

                                                                     Kermit gets it...