Thinking critically in our everyday lives can be hard. More often than not, we quickly react to situations that may happen in our lives rather than sit back and respond. Sometimes our reactions (or overreactions) can be justified, other times, the way we are feeling can have an impact on the way we react to events. I think to my life, there are some days where I feel like everything is against me and something will happen, and I immediately think the worst. There are other times where I might be full on sleep, food and relaxed time and something may happen, and I would react a lot differently than I would have usually done if I hadn't slept well or was overtired.

I found this great cartoon by Grant Snider, where he talks about Critical Thinking and working through problems in our lives. He breaks it down into 8 steps.

1. Understanding the Problem: What is the problem that faces us?
2. Explore its Boundaries: Is the problem that big? Is it going to take over my total existence?
3. Question Assumptions: What is lying beneath the surface? What can I assume about the problem?
4. Imagine New Perspectives: What if I put myself in someone else's shoes, would I still feel the same way? Would it even be a problem for them?
5. Identify Weaknesses: We all have them, know your limitations.
6. Justify a Solution: What can we do to fix this problem that is in our life? Is the solution doable?
7. Acknowledge Limitations: Sometimes the best solution can have other problems associated with it. It's good to see those limitations and choose a solution that works.
8. Reflect on Alternatives: There is always more than one way to solve a problem. Once the solution has been discovered and enacted on, reflect on other ways. We ask our students to do the same thing, why is it so hard for adults!

We wouldn’t do this for every event or problem in our life, but sometimes, a bit of critical thinking could help solve a lot of problems in our lives, rather than just reacting. As we break for our 2 weeks of holidays, I hope you'll have some deserved time off with your families and come back refreshed for Term 2. Stay safe and we'll see you next term.