Some thoughts

Hi friends! I started this blog as a way to put out all my amazing intellectual ideas. However, I've only been using it like a Mormon housewife (meaning it's just a place to put up pics and talk about myself, haha). So, here are some things I've been thinking about lately.

I've noticed recently that a lot of the little insecurities I've had about myself have started to resurface, to become big insecurities. They're things that I was always aware of, but never really gave much thought to. But, for whatever reason, they've begun to take up a bigger space in my mind. I've just been worried about some of my shortcomings and/or deficiencies.

Thankfully, somebody pointed out to me that I should spend more time thinking about the strengths that I have, and how I can use those to work on my weaknesses. Then came the question: What are my strengths? I was directed to this awesome website by the University of Pennsylvania where you can take a survey and it will tell you, out of 24 characteristics, which are your strongest. The survey is really long (240 questions) but I feel like it was worth it. The results were pretty accurate; nothing came as a surprise to me, but it was more like a reassurance of things I already knew about myself.

One of the points of this survey is to focus on your top 5 and bottom 5 strengths. Here are my results:

Top 5:
1. Humor and Playfulness
2. Kindness and Generosity
3. Judgment, Critical Thinking, and Open-mindedness
4. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
5. Citizenship, Teamwork, and Loyalty

Bottom 5:
24. Self-control and Self-regulation
23. Industry, Diligence, and Perseverance
22. Bravery and Valor
21. Spirituality, Sense of Purpose, and Faith
20. Honesty, Authenticity, and Genuineness

So yeah... this survey was a great way for me to do some reflection and self-inventory. I'd recommend it to anyone. The person that showed it to me suggested taking the top 5 strengths and seeing how I could apply them to different aspects of my life, like my friendships, my career, etc. Doing that has helped me to regain some perspective on things.

Click here to check out this survey. Click on the "VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire" link.

Just thought I'd share that experience with you!