Earlier in the week, we started on our Literature projects. The group that I'm in, including Kat, Kaylee, and Zoe, chose Theme and Point of View to research. We had a little trouble choosing a story to read for Theme, because some people wanted to read the stories first and then decide, and some just wanted to pick based on a short description of the plot. The length of each story also came into play; in general it seemed as if the longer stories weren't considered as much because they were longer. We did work it out though, and decided on "Hunters in the Snow", a choice that I am very happy with. It sounds like a really interesting and weird story, which happens to be my favorite kind.
With the Literature project group work and the collaboration about the poem "Cross" came minor problems, one of which was the indecision about the short stories. The other problem came with the poem collaboration; no one in the group seemed to be in a particularly patient mood that day, so trying to share ideas and listen to the ideas of others didn't come easily. On other sharing days like that one, there hasn't been any trouble with a lack of patience, we all get along just fine, even outside of class. It was just one of those days.
Both of these experiences really made me realize the importance in a person's mindset. Going into a setting where sharing is encouraged, one has to think openly and patiently, ready to encourage others regardless of one's previous mood. Sometimes, you have to set aside your grumpiness, tiredness, or annoyance in order to have a successful discussion with your group. This can be hard, but it's necessary for a good conversation.
I suppose this is true for life in general, not just for group work in a class. It reminds me of something I've heard many times in my life. Supposedly, if you're in a bad mood and you force yourself to smile, you'll not be in as bad of a mood as you were before. Forcing yourself to be a constructive part of a team, even when you don't feel like one, may help you be a more constructive team member in the future.