This week I had a 1st of the month meet-up with Lisa and the textiles girls. Some of Lisa’s feedback was that in our blogs we are describing more than reflecting so I put more time into reflecting on a situation that was causing me stress this week. I decided to write my reflection in my notebook as I feel it is easier to handwrite first then type. I followed the Gibbs reflective cycle questions and found this helpful as it breaks down the reflective process into smaller, manageable steps which made me reflect more in depth. Going forward I will continue to follow this cycle each week.
Reflecting on my decision making and communication regarding my new placement:
This week, I found myself feeling quite stressed about accepting my next placement at Christopher Farr. I kept putting off making a decision because I was worried about how my placement provider, Tom, might react, and I didn’t want to upset anyone. The longer I left it, the more anxious I became. I was overthinking and avoiding replying to emails, which made the situation feel bigger than it really was. When I finally told Tom, his response was positive and understanding, which was a huge relief. I felt proud that I’d faced the situation and happy to be looking forward to my next placement.
Looking back, I’ve realised that avoiding difficult conversations only increases stress and confusion. It’s always better to communicate openly rather than assume how someone will respond. I also learned how important it is to separate personal feelings from professional decisions – something that’s key to developing confidence in a work environment. I’m glad I eventually handled it, and it’s shown me that people are often more supportive than I imagine. Going forward, I want to be more proactive with communication and decision-making. I’ll try to respond to emails sooner, check in with others if I feel unsure, and remind myself that clear, honest communication helps everyone involved.
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