Freewrite Reflection

I learned that as I writer I tend to use a lot of "fluff."  In all of my high school classes they teach us the typical 5 paragraph essay that needs to be a certain amount of pages.  When you have that kind of page requirement, they taught us to drag out what we have to say and add a lot of detail that does nothing for the overall purpose of the essay.  I also tend to try to find a creative way to start each paper I have to write.  In my previous writing classes, I was taught the importance of a good attention getter that makes the reader want to keep reading.  I always liked to start with a quote and then find a way to connect that to my topic in the introduction.  For the microtheme, I had to let go of all of that.  I had to get to the point right away because this didn't require a fancy attention getter.  I also couldn't add as much "fluff" as I tend to.  I usually drag the topic of one of my body paragraphs until there is nothing left to say about it.  For this assignment, I had be speculative and add only the necessary information.  I couldn't drag something on and on like I was taught to do.

What I learned about myself is that I try to avoid picking sides as much as possible.  If it's a topic that I have a clear stance on then I don't have a problem with sharing my opinion.  But if it's something that I don't have a clear stance on, then I try to see from all points of view.  Yes, I'm the cliche person who always says, "I'm Switzerland."  I do care what others think and I tend to be a people pleaser.  I try to please as many people as possible because I don't like to offend anyone especially when it's an argument between some of my friends.  I like to remain in the middle so I don't offend anyone.

By writing this microtheme, I learned something about the nature of truth.  Everyone has their own opinions and points of view on an issue, so whatever they believe in that is their truth.  That is the thing they believe with all their hearts to be the absolute right thing.  Everyone has their own truth which makes it unique to them.  People might share similar opinions up to an extend, but then they will disagree as the discuss it in further detail.  A person's truth can not be changed.  They know in their heart and mind that it is the truth because they believe it to be true.