This week’s listicle is:
I love positive feedback and recognition as much as the next person, but I strive to be modest…at least most of the time! So I am finding it easier to think about my talents rather than why I’m great. 🙂
1. I’m creative. I enjoy creating things and developing new ways to communicate (at work and in my community work). Yesterday I had a friend over to craft (should have taken a photo–the dining room looked like a Michael’s hurricane), and after she left at around 4:00, I kept at it until after 11:00 p.m. I figured I might as well keep going, since I had everything out…but I was also enjoying myself! Being creative is good for my soul.
2. I’m a good friend. I choose my friends carefully, but once you are my friend I will cherish you. I also seem to have a lot of close friends. If I inadvertently hurt you or am not respectful or loving (which has happened, believe me–I’m far from perfect), I apologize and greatly appreciate my friend’s forgiveness. I’m a good mom, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, and employee too!
3. I’m an ideator and problem solver. When we did a study group at church about our personal strengths, “ideator” (which I’m not sure is a real word) was one of mine. I love to come up with new ideas, especially ways to solve problems. I’ve only come to realize that this is not that common by living with my husband, who does not think in the same way, even though I’m sure he has a higher IQ–and certainly a larger vocabulary–than I do. Today he read a piece of The Iliad at an event at the art museum, and they had encouraged people to read in a different language. He decided to read it in French. This morning he told me that he was editing the version because he had used Google Translator, and it wasn’t exact or elegant. I told him I was sure we could find a French version on the Internet. It took some sleuthing, but finally I found the Iliad in French–had to look up the French word for Iliad though…it took me awhile, but SUCCESS!
4. I’m an activator and I think and act quickly. I get the job done enthusiastically and promptly, sometimes more quickly than other people are ready for! I realize that sometimes this tendency intimidates (or annoys) people, but I can’t help it. When we were young, my mom would take my sister and me to the fabric store. I always made my selection within the first 10 minutes, while my sister lingered for what felt like hours! Mike and I bought both of the houses we’ve lived in as soon as we saw them. He typically doesn’t move as quickly as I do (and does NOT like to be forced to be spontaneous, as in change of plans), but in house buying he was an activator too.
5. I am musical. I’ve always been aware that if I really focused and practiced one of the instruments I play, I might be really good. The reality is I’m a lazy musician, but I am naturally musical. I can sing and play guitar and mandolin. I can also play a few songs on the piano or organ, and at one time played the violin and the cello. I’ve even picked up a harmonica. I have a good ear and can harmonize impromptu. I also have a knack for recognizing a singer or musician when I hear him or her, and recognizing a song in the first few bars. Recently I’ve been leading the singing at church with our great jazz pianist, bass player, and drummer, and that has been really fun.
6. I am good at buying or making gifts for people. I enjoy the process of carefully selecting (making or buying) gifts for my family and friends, and the act of giving is as much fun as the act of receiving. This tends to run in my family, and on Christmas mornings we painstakingly open our gifts by playing “Spin the Bottle,” so we can see everyone’s reactions.
7. I am organized. Or I can be when I want to be, even if it doesn’t always look that way!
8. I am conscientious and detail oriented. I wouldn’t call myself a perfectionist, but I am very dedicated to quality, both at work and in my home and personal life. I imagine that some people probably think I am nitpicky, but that’s not a bad quality in a professional writer/editor, is it?
9. I am optimistic and upbeat. I try to see the positive in a situation or at least put it in perspective. I hate to feel depressed…and if I am, I try to figure out why (for example, premenstrual) so I can move on. If I’m struggling with an issue, I have a good vent and then I’m usually able to turn myself around…like my upcoming surgery. And of course, denial is helpful! People keep asking me how I”m doing with my surgery date approaching quickly, and the truth is that I’m trying not to think about it too much. That’s my survival strategy.
10. I try to see the good in people until they prove otherwise. I am pretty forgiving, and I try not to hold grudges. In fact, when other people hold grudges or refuse to talk to each other, it causes me great distress. Life is too short to stay angry! I don’t get my feelings hurt easily, and I’m laid-back, although I am sensitive and definitely sentimental. I believe in the inherent goodness of people–that’s probably partly why I’m a Democrat!
Some of these were not really talents, but characteristics. I don’t want to be a braggart, even though I have a pretty healthy self-image. Yes, I’m great! 🙂
Listicles is brought to us by Stasha at www.northwestmommy.com. Check out her blog and the links to the others!
Every Day Is a Miracle 