Milk in the Mashed Potatoes

I re-read my “signature themes” from the StrengthsFinder test I took a while back after reading the book. I’m always amazed at how accurate these personality tests are.

I was reminded that my top five tendencies are:

Harmony

I try to avoid confrontation at all costs and instead look for areas of agreement. When others are debating (even in a friendly tone), I tend to keep quiet. “Wouldn’t we all be more productive if we kept our opinions in check and instead looked for consensus and support?” is my motto – for better or worse.

Maximizer

Taking something that’s good and making it great is thrilling. I think this is why I enjoy the editing process.

Intellection

I live with a mental hum. I’m constantly rolling over a problem in my head, developing an idea or trying understand another person’s feelings. In a word, I’m introspective.

Consistency

I feel all people should be treated the same, no matter what their station in life. I believe in creating environments where the rules are clear and are applied to everyone equally.

Focus

Without a clear focus and line of site, I get frustrated very quickly. Focus forces me to filter; I instinctively evaluate whether or not a particular action will move me toward my goal. I’m constantly setting goals and timelines. I love feeling productive.

If you haven’t taken the StrengthsFinder or read the book, I highly recommend it. Understanding how your mind works can help you avoid emotional frustration!

Has anyone read Wellbeing or taken the corresponding test?

Today I saw a a banner ad online with a woman holding her cat up to her face, nose-to-nose, with the words: “Show her she’s your everything.”

I thought it was so ridiculous I didn’t even bother to see what product it was advertising.

Tonight I was pumping gas and saw a banner on the service bay window advertising preventative maintenance for vehicles. It said, “Give your car the life it deserves.”

I’m sorry; last time I checked, cars were inanimate objects.

Those messages were in stark contrast to a quote I read earlier today on Twitter. “It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” –Mother Teresa

It’s foolish to think we can live as we please without someone else paying the price. The gospel of entitlement is a popular message, but it’s false.

I’m beginning to realize to the degree my life is comfortable, someone else suffers.

Could I be more appreciative of the quality of life I have?

Could I be a better steward of what I have?

Could I be less extravagant and wasteful?

Could I give up some unnecessary luxuries to make someone else’s load a little lighter?

Could I even sacrifice to make a more significant difference?

The answers are yes, obviously. But the real question is:

Will I?