My Strengths

So after taking the StrengthsQuest inventory... thing, I was presented with 5 of my most prominent strengths. Though there's a couple more out there that represent me a little, (like includer, individualization, and significance,) I would have to say that I agree with the results I got. So, here goes.

EMPATHY
" You can sense the emotions of those around you. You can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their eyes and share their perspective. You do not necessarily condone the choices each person makes, but you do understand. This instinctive ability to understand is powerful. You hear the unvoiced questions. You anticipate the need. Where others grapple for words, you seem to find the right words and the right tone. You help people find the right phrases to express their feelings-to themselves as well as to others. You help them give voice to their emotional life. For all these reasons other people are drawn to you."


-So I'd have to say that I agree completely with this one. In fact, it's probablly my strongest characteristic. If you don't agree, let me know. But honestly. I can hang around someone who is angry all the time or sad, and when I've left, I'll begin to feel angry or sad, and I won't know why. It's trippy. Haha, that being said, i know when someone is hurting, I know when someone is hiding something, i know when someone is uncomfortable or annoyed or nervous... I can pick up on emotions pretty well. And sometimes it gets hard because Im much better at taking in the negative emotions rather than the positive ones. The test said I should "decompress" at the end of the day, so as to not become overwhelmed with all the emotions I've picked up, because I feel them as if they are my own... ON TOP of my own. hahaha, its a gift, definately a gift, but it does have some of the characteristics of a curse as well.

The test also said " You are an emotional person, and you need to express your own emotions to someone you trust." Now, that person isn't always easy to find. Usually, its just someone I can trust, that will sincerely LISTEN. just listen.


DEVELOPER
" You see the potential in others. In your view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth-a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence or of "flow" where previously there were only halting steps. Over time many will seek you out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you."


-Honestly, this one was a bit surprising, but definately true. I love helping to bring out the best in people and their endeavors. I know that with the youth worship team at my church, and even just in the ministry, i have so many visions and dreams for growth and potential in the way they approach their faith. I do know, however, that at times, people will feel like im pressuring them, and they'll push me away, because they might not be as interested in their development as I am. which is kind of funny. Makes me seem crazy. But i only want to maximize each person's potential and help them be the best they can be in all their aspirations.


BELIEF
" If you possess a strong Belief theme, you have certain core values that are enduring. They give your life meaning and satisfaction; in your view, success is more than money and prestige. They provide you with direction. This consistency is the foundation for all your relationships. Your Belief makes you easy to trust. It also demands that you find work that meshes with your values. Your work must be meaningful; it must matter to you. And guided by your Belief theme it will matter only if it gives you a chance to live out your values."

-I would say that this is pretty accurate... I wouldn't have the motivation to get out of bed sometimes if it weren't for the fact that i know I have a purpose in life, and that my life is bigger than me. I know that people may think I'm stubborn or close-minded, but I would have to disagree with the negative connotations those terms produce, and say that I just hold fast to what I believe, and my values won't change. haha, yep..

CONNECTEDNESS
" Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger. You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life's mysteries."

-So.. yes, this one does seem slightly hippy-ish... but for the most part I would have to agree with the idea that yes, we're all connected. We cant harm others or exploit others because we will eventually be harming ourselves. We are all apart of something bigger.. I know this. I've chosen to believe in it, others haven't. But I do know that my faith is what keeps me going, and gives me purpose to what seems like a sometimes stagnant, humdrum life.

the test also said "When people and the world seem fractured, broken, and isolated, you can become discouraged. For this reason, some may perceive you as too naïve or fragile." oh my, "naïve" is all too accurate.


COMMUNICATION
" You like to explain, to describe, to host, to speak in public, and to write. Ideas are a dry beginning. Events are static. You feel a need to bring them to life, to energize them, to make them exciting and vivid. And so you turn events into stories and practice telling them. You take the dry idea and enliven it with images and examples and metaphors. You believe that most people have a very short attention span. They are bombarded by information, but very little of it survives. You want your information to survive. ou want to divert their attention toward you and then capture it, lock it in. This is what drives your hunt for the perfect phrase. This is what draws you toward dramatic words and powerful word combinations. This is why people like to listen to you. Your word pictures pique their interest, sharpen their world, and inspire them to act."

--This one and empathy i think are my two strongest character traits. I love to talk, I'm pretty good at public speaking, but I always worry about the fact that audiences do have short attention spans. So I try to think of the best way to grab their attention and keep it, constantly thinking of different ways to present my ideas or whatever Im talking about. I think thats why i love theatre so much, and why I enjoy giving speeches. Anyway.



So those were my five strengths. I guess, I could conclude from this, that my desired profession or "vocation" (that is, youth pastor) would be a pretty good thing to pursue. I love speaking in front of crowds cause i feed off the energy they exude (that sounds creepy, but its not) and i also like talking to people one on one, relating to them and helping them cope with their situations. i love the stage (thats why i do theatre) and i love people. if you need to cry, to yell, or to just vent, im here, and i will understand you in the best way i can. =] promise.



I know this was a long blog. If you got all the way down here without skimming through what I wrote, let me know so I can shake your hand. Seriously. I sincerely appreciate you. Honestly, all people want sometimes is someone to listen to them. So, if you listened to me here, intently, i really, truly, appreciate it, and i appreciate you.


-bella

Who am I?!

Well, I'll try to talk about who I am in a nutshell, rather than going on for pages and pages, in depth about myself.

I am Hannah, and I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I'm not religious at all, at least I try not to be. I pray that there would be absolutely no religious bone in my body, because religion implies routine and ritual, and there is nothing routine about my relationship with God except for the fact that I try to spend time with Him daily. I don't believe God can be contained within the boundaries of "religion," He's too big for that. I read the bible, I not only attend church, but am plugged in to the youth ministry, the college ministry, and the worship team.

I am a worshiper. I love exploring new ways to worship my God and I love talking to others about my experiences and discoveries, as well as hearing about their's.

I sing, play guitar, act, dance, write, and think. A lot. I contemplate everything, and second guess myself too much. Even in love, I second guess every move I make and really think about the other person's motives for the things they tell me and do for me. I wasn't that way before, but life happens and changes you. I've been changed, for the better, I think. I don't trust as easily as I did, but that's a good thing, because I was most definitely too trusting.

I'm extremely affectionate once I become comfortable with someone. I love to show my friends I care for them, but I shy away if I don't sense they want me around, because I second guess myself. I'm very playful, especially in relationships. The way I love is deep and purposeful, and very real, I go for it with all my heart, but usually my affection is playful and fun.

I'm shy, sometimes. I'm not shy other times. I would prefer you approach me, but I'll approach people as well. I want a best friend of the female gender. My best friend is a guy, and he's fantastic, but there's somethings you just can't talk to guys about, the way you can talk to girls.

I'm madly in love with Jesus Christ.
I'm currently reading Romans.
I'm excited about my new life at APU.
I LOVE cats, and dogs, and mostly all animals.
I have a stupid phobia of cows, which I still can't make sense of.
I write songs.
I love to laugh. I love people who make me laugh.
I try my hardest to be the same person on and off the worship platform, at home and at church, at school and in my room... I try my hardest to just be who I am, and hope I'm accepted.
I sometimes write long blogs.

=]