When I learned what my "strengths" were - my brain was exploding with those 'aha' moments: AHA, that's why! AHA, no kidding. AHA, cannot wait to explore that one! It is empowering to see - in black and white - my strengths. We women can play the humility game all too well, right? As long as Christ is at the center, our strengths are a blessing.
The on-line test revealed mine as:
1. positivity
2. empathy
3. woo
4. communication
5. activator
- I see the glass half full.
- I often put myself in your shoes.
- I love to win others over (WOO).
- I enjoy communicating (blog, FB, face to face).
- I dig action - moving furniture, "make a party," anything spontaneous!
There are sensitive aspects of a strength - I witnessed this recently with someone I love. I sensed this person feeling left out, perhaps intimidated, inadequate. So much so, that I did not want to make eye contact as I did not want him/her to know that I know. My heart and gut hurt.
A couple of hours later, I processed WHY I "felt" that person so much. THAT would be the empathy trait. Many, many times I have had that gut-ache and could not articulate WHAT it was. Empathy aches. Those lacking the empathy gene might not have the gut/heart aches; they are a bit more inconsiderate or distant. Give me the aches!
"Let Your Life Speak" by Parker J. Palmer is a little book I read prior to the strengths book. The title is a time-honored Quaker mantra. I devoured it, took notes and highlighted it to pieces! May has been a good month for good books!
I believe life teaches me something most days. I don't want to just slip n' slide through it but welcome the LARGENESS of life that now lies open to our souls ("Let Your Life Speak").
1 comment:
I think I need this book!! Not feeling like i have many strengths these days. Love you!
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