Have you ever taken a personality test? I've taken several over the years and I'm happy to report that I DO have a personality, even if it is quite quirky. On any given day according to Myers-Briggs I'm an introverted, thinker, feeler; I'm steady and conscientious on the "DISC" scale; or a melancholoy/phlegmatic who shies away from overly aggressive cholerics or extroverts. Most tests also say that I'm easy going although you may disagree if you see my temper in traffic.... BUT, if you like beavers or golden retrievers, I'm your girl because according to one test I'm a combination of the two (I wonder what that animal would look like?) If you need help picturing something so complicated and contradictory, then read on.
B is for Beaver
Strengths & Weaknesses
Perfectionist who can be too controlling, especially when under stress
Detailed, accurate and precise but can be too strict (just ask my nieces and nephews!)
Consistent and predictable but lacks spontaneity and variety; boring (I'm offended...)
Controlled, reserved and orderly but often too serious and stuffy; rigid (orderly? I don't even have a junk drawer)
Practical but not adventurous (unless I'm in Europe!!!)
Sensitive but stubborn (yep)
Conscientious but too inflexible
Analytical but slow to make decisions
Discerning but negative (the correct term is REALIST)
G is for Golden Retriever
Strengths & Weaknesses
Sensitive to others' feelings but easily hurt herself (SO true, I take EVERYTHING to heart and assume I've done something wrong most of the time)
Loyal but misses opportunities
Calm and even-keeled but lacks enthusiasm (I only jump up and down on the inside to avoid a black eye)
Non-demanding and patient but often a push-over and taken advantage of
Peace maker who hates confrontation, which can lead to missed intimacy (I'm learning to stand up for myself)
Enjoys routine and dislikes change but stays in rut, not spontaneous
Warm & relational but has a small circle of deep friendships
Accommodating but too indecisive (Duh, that's WHY I'm indecisive!)
Sympathetic, good listener who holds on to other's hurts and pains (I really do feel your pain!)
Of all my strengths and weaknesses, one characteristic keeps coming up over and over again: I have a definite independent streak hidden within my laid back nature. Of course, this is NO surprise to my family or closest friends! :-) I went to Europe the first time by myself because my mother told me she didn't think I would go through with it..... One time I played a video game for 9 hours straight in order to win a $100 bet with my dad..... I was the pre-k girl who got caught eating a cupcake during naptime and slapped the teacher who tried to take it away..... I want what I want when I want it, and I usually figure out a way to get it!
Now that I'm older and a little smarter I recognize the blessings and curses of independence. It is a good thing that I am responsible, financially solvent and able to take care of myself (at least most of the time!) But my self-sufficiency does have a few negative side effects. Often I isolate myself and live a very small, selfish life in an effort not to be "needy". I think I have to be perfect before I can let someone know and love me. Ironically, my imperfection is the best opportunity for those who know me to be an extension of Christ's grace by loving me in spite of my weaknesses. I forget that I don't need to have it all together or be completely, emotionally healthy before I can accept love. What a relief!
For those of you who put up with me let me offer my deepest, most heartfelt thanks for being an extension of God and letting him love me through you. And whether you're a lion with otter tendencies, a beaver with a lion's roar or any other "interesting" combo, I will offer you the same gift. I will take you as you come and love you as you are.
B is for Beaver
Strengths & Weaknesses
Perfectionist who can be too controlling, especially when under stress
Detailed, accurate and precise but can be too strict (just ask my nieces and nephews!)
Consistent and predictable but lacks spontaneity and variety; boring (I'm offended...)
Controlled, reserved and orderly but often too serious and stuffy; rigid (orderly? I don't even have a junk drawer)
Practical but not adventurous (unless I'm in Europe!!!)
Sensitive but stubborn (yep)
Conscientious but too inflexible
Analytical but slow to make decisions
Discerning but negative (the correct term is REALIST)
G is for Golden Retriever
Strengths & Weaknesses
Sensitive to others' feelings but easily hurt herself (SO true, I take EVERYTHING to heart and assume I've done something wrong most of the time)
Loyal but misses opportunities
Calm and even-keeled but lacks enthusiasm (I only jump up and down on the inside to avoid a black eye)
Non-demanding and patient but often a push-over and taken advantage of
Peace maker who hates confrontation, which can lead to missed intimacy (I'm learning to stand up for myself)
Enjoys routine and dislikes change but stays in rut, not spontaneous
Warm & relational but has a small circle of deep friendships
Accommodating but too indecisive (Duh, that's WHY I'm indecisive!)
Sympathetic, good listener who holds on to other's hurts and pains (I really do feel your pain!)
Of all my strengths and weaknesses, one characteristic keeps coming up over and over again: I have a definite independent streak hidden within my laid back nature. Of course, this is NO surprise to my family or closest friends! :-) I went to Europe the first time by myself because my mother told me she didn't think I would go through with it..... One time I played a video game for 9 hours straight in order to win a $100 bet with my dad..... I was the pre-k girl who got caught eating a cupcake during naptime and slapped the teacher who tried to take it away..... I want what I want when I want it, and I usually figure out a way to get it!
Now that I'm older and a little smarter I recognize the blessings and curses of independence. It is a good thing that I am responsible, financially solvent and able to take care of myself (at least most of the time!) But my self-sufficiency does have a few negative side effects. Often I isolate myself and live a very small, selfish life in an effort not to be "needy". I think I have to be perfect before I can let someone know and love me. Ironically, my imperfection is the best opportunity for those who know me to be an extension of Christ's grace by loving me in spite of my weaknesses. I forget that I don't need to have it all together or be completely, emotionally healthy before I can accept love. What a relief!
For those of you who put up with me let me offer my deepest, most heartfelt thanks for being an extension of God and letting him love me through you. And whether you're a lion with otter tendencies, a beaver with a lion's roar or any other "interesting" combo, I will offer you the same gift. I will take you as you come and love you as you are.
