Today is a Dorothy day. Though no tornado is visible to my outer world, I’m caught in the middle of one I created. Picked up, spinning, debris all around, wondering where and when I’ll land. Look out below! (Especially if you’re a wicked witch!) I’m in that phase of downsizing where all the balls are in the air, all the boxes are strewn about, the piles seem endless, and end-of-tunnel-light is nowhere to be found. Some might call this part Hell. This part is why some people never begin this process or never let life get too big so they won’t have to. Yesterday’s releasing was cathartic. Today’s disarray feels overwhelming.
Several years ago, I took the Strengths Finder 2.0 assessment and ended up with these 5 key strengths: Input, Activator, Arranger, Connectedness, and Strategic. When I took that assessment my life made sense to me. I could see why I was good at what I was good at and why I shouldn’t keep trying to make myself do certain things that just weren’t in my wheelhouse.
Today, the shadowy side of the strengths that I lean on so often are biting me in the arse. Let’s take ‘Input’ for example: Input has me collect ideas, objects, techniques, memories, and more. On a good day, that makes me a rich resource full of information, connections, and solutions to any number of challenges. When downsizing, however, it makes the stuff of my life take on epic proportions. The good news is, I know there is always more to gather. The bad news is, the firehouse never seems to shut off.
I could go through each strength and detail what I’m discovering, but that’s way too much about me and my process. I’m curious about how your strengths or personality can get in your way sometimes. Whether it’s the Strength Finder 2.0 or any number of other typing or assessment systems: Where do your strengths or style get you in trouble? How do they help you find your way back to center? How do YOU move forward when you’re in the middle of the thickest of the thick?
Time to lean on the ‘Strategic’ part of my Strengths! I’ve got this ~ Just needed to stop, reflect, re-assess, breathe, and get more boxes. And a shovel… There’s got to be a pony in here some where!
Happy ‘Let it Go’ Day!
Helen
Helen House 
Comments on: "At the Center of Chaos" (4)
Hey Helen, you might want to add to your strengths the “ability to write beautiful texts and inspire friends when everybody else wouldn’t be able to say ‘hmff'” ☺
Thanks, Hank! Sometimes all I have is a huff in me too, but I’m not afraid to say it when I do! xo
Will miss you in the Yoop. You are an inspiration . Love to your family. Lena is loving living in Ann Arbor and we will all be at hiawatha .
Best wishes
patty Lins
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Thanks, Patty! I’m bummed I’m going to miss Hiawatha this year! Poor planning on my part. Maybe you’ll see Isaiah. He’s doing summer research at Beloit, but maybe he’ll be home by then. Hope so!