Interests

I decided I should fill out my blogger profile, so I wrote the first 5 things that came to mind.

Then I said to my husband, "My top 5 interests, go!"

He thinks hard for a moment.

I say, "It can't be that hard!"

"Plants."

"Gardening. Ok, got that."

"Bejeweled."

Chagrinned. "Games."

"Zorro."

"...Ok, ya."

"Sweets."

"It's supposed to be like hobbies, not obsessions!"

How my husband sees me. How I see me. How I really am. You decide.

Seeds of Strength #4

As promised, today I will reveal my #4 of strengths finder! This one may surprise some of you!

Empathy
Sense other's emotions. Feel their feelings as your own. Share their perspective. Not necessarily agree with everyone's perspective. Not necessarily feel pity (that's sympathy, not empathy.) Not necessarily condone everyone's choices, but understands. Instinctive ability to understand. Hear the unvoiced questions. Anticipate the need. Find the right words and tone. Help people find words to express their feelings. Other people are drawn to you.

Kind of a weird one to point out about yourself, but it seems true enough. This is why I usually enjoy listening more than talking.

Lesson of the day: empathy is not sympathy.

Seeds of Strength #5

A fact that has always been true about me, and that I recently discovered is a trait common to introverts, is that it communicate more easily through the written word. With that, I am more comfortable sharing information in writing than speaking. So, I'm going to jump right into this relationship and enlighten you on my innermost workings. What better way to do that than through Tom Rath's Strengths Finder 2.0?

About 2 years ago, everyone I knew was taking this assessment and discussing their results. I LOVE learning about myself and why I do things the way I do. I am very introspective. Plus, it helps me not feel like a scrooge when I can call it a strength! But alas, the book cost $25 and you can't take the test without buying the book. And there was NO WAY I was buying myself a $25 book. 

I asked for it for Christmas. This year. I was so excited for take the test! I laughed out loud at how extreme I was on one end of the other of some of the questions! And I shared them with Kevin, who was slightly less interested. Ever since I received my results and read their summaries, I have been explaining to everyone which trait plays into each of my weirdities. And now I will share with you. 

Just so I don't scare you away, I'll just give you #5 today, then work up to the big #1.

There are all the strengths arranged into category.

#5. Deliberative (So as not to plagiarize, I will just include key words and facts.) 

Careful. Vigilant. Private. Sense risks- identify, assess and reduce. Serious. Reserved. Plan ahead. Anticipate what might go wrong. Select friends cautiously. Life is not a popularity contest, it is a minefield. Walk with care. 

Nailed it!