Upon further conversations about food we have discovered that in reality most of the volunteers in the past paid $10.00 a day for food, which included meat. I guess Steve had a conversation with the owners prior to us coming here and somehow waived that fee. So technically if they agreed to waive the free, yes they should probably provide us with meat. But at the same time I understand now that this isn't something they have done before with volunteers so it is new and awkward for them too. I think in the end the lesson is that communcation is really important. For one, Steve talked with the owners about all of the details of the lodge so all of my expectations were from Steve's word and I don't know what was actually discussed between them. Details may have been mixed up or exceptions were made but not fully understood. I also had a conversation with one of the owners today about my expecations when they are gone...which include working with all of the guests and helping them feel comfortable. While I may be doing some odd jobs here and there as well including cleaning it is important for me to understand the expecations of what the lodge should look like and also to put in some hard work with the local workers so that they can see that I have a good work ethic so that they can respect me more when the owners are gone.
I think that having these conversations today leads me back to my blog earlier today about things I want to improve. And a huge one I forgot is communication. Communication, being clear with what I want and what my expectations are, and being willing to ask questions when I am unsure. Sure this can make things awkward sometimes, but I think it is better to have your facts straight rather than be upset about something you don't have the full picture of. I think that communicating more clearly with others will not only help my relationships in work but also with family, friends and my husband. Throughout this journey Steve and I have ran into a quite a few "situations" or arguments because he becomes frustrated that I can't (or don't) communicate what I want clearly. For example, sometimes when I am hungry, I'll ask if he is hungry...and when he says no, 10 minutes later I'll see a store say, subway and I really want it, so I'll ask if he wants subway...even though he just said he wasn't hungry. Instead of clearly communicating I am hungry and want subway for some reason I "beat around the bush" and ask in weird ways that end up causing frustrations and communication problems. How do I fix this? Not sure. At least I am aware of it...and will focus on trying not to do it or at least acknowledging when I do and apologizing (which can be hard sometimes once he is frustrated). But truly I think if I focus my number one self improvement goal on good, clear communication it will impact all different aspects of my life. So here we are now, at this beautiful lodge with lovely owners who are kind and generous in other ways such as advice, friendship, conversation, helping teach us how to cook, providing us with cooked meals a lot of nights and allowing us to be a part of their family for a few weeks. In the end I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me, and while their have been compromises and communication errors along the way we are slowly beginning to understand each other better. All it takes is clear communication and no assumptions and everyone will be happy :)
3 Comments
Dad
1/4/2015 09:50:40 am
Your adventure has already provided great opportunities to develop more self-awareness. As you are doing, keeping an open mind will allow more life lessons to emerge.
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kathy Bradway
1/4/2015 11:20:11 am
And what would thi be if you did not learn those valuable life lessons, and here it is only a couple of weeks in! Great post!
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6/4/2015 10:45:23 pm
Isn't it neat how wisdom creeps up on us? I love how this adventure is offering you the time and environment to reflect on who you are and who you want to be. I was just told a story yesterday about a teacher whom Jacqui works with who was having the worst year of her career. Every day was a dreaded string of hours to deal with. This teacher realized that her thoughts and her words surrounding this difficult time were all completely negative. Being a prayerful woman, she prayed for strength to change her thoughts and words to help lift her above the negativity. Second semester of the school year became much brighter and much more gratifying every day. She squelched her thoughts and watched her words as she focused on positive thoughts and words that were encouraging. Whether you rely on prayer or self conviction, the idea of negativity breeding negativity or choosing positive thoughts,words,actions to breed the same....it is a choice. And, it works. Being mindful of who you are and how you affect others is truly a wonderful lesson to learn and embrace all the days of your life. I loved reading these entries and I am so excited to see you, this little bud, unfolding your beautiful petals to all this world has to offer.
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