Strengths! Excitement!

It's been a while since I posted, and while there are things that weigh on my heart, I don't always want to write about heavy stuff. In that vein, I want to share with you something I am REALLY EXCITED about: Strengths Coach training.

In 8 days, I will be boarding a plane for sunny Irvine, California to spend some time healing in the sunshine at my favorite place of respite & repose: Casa de Colando - while simultaneously having my cup filled and mind sharpened through Gallup Strengths coaching seminar.

I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

I love trainings.

I love them.

Well, should I say that I love trainings where you are actually being trained to do something? Because that's what I mean. I'm not talking about a seminar in the guise of a training. Trainings that are for your professional development that feeds your personal growth.

and I haven't been to one in years.

I AM SO EXCITED.


I have been a BIG FAN of the Gallup/Clifton Strengths since I was introduced to them in 2007. (How is that eleven years ago? Ridiculous) My friend Stephanie who is also a lover of all things "type" introduced us. Reading my insight report of my top 5 was an awakening.

Discovering my top 5 strengths both then and now are incredible doses of validation. I struggle with knowing my purpose and feeling like I'm living my calling and up to my highest potential. I question whether or not I have settled with a position. I want to hear the voice saying, "This is the way walk in it" - and I crave a confirmation that I am on the right path.

While my top 5 haven't actually answered those questions directly, they are a confirmation that I am on the right path...that I'm making progress toward the goal...and most importantly, that I am valued. My strengths matter. My talents matter. I matter. I was made in a fearfully and wonderfully way with a unique combination of talents and abilities to be strengthened, developed, and put to good use.

I don't know about you, but I need this reminder.

My first set of 5 were Individualization, Ideation, Adapatability, Positivity & WOO. They explained to me why I loved my job...and also what frustrated me in my position. My new 5 are Communication, Context, Adapatability, Connectedness and Ideation. Communication is the only one I haven't had on a score before, but man-oh-man, does it hit the mark:

Communication

People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.

YOUR PERSONALIZED STRENGTHS INSIGHTS

What makes you stand out?

It’s very likely that you are sometimes open and honest about who you are, what you have done, what you can do, and what you cannot do. Maybe your straightforward explanations and stories help listeners see you as you see yourself. You might reveal your strengths and limitations. You might choose to be forthright and plainspoken. This partially explains why various people seek your company and want to work with you. Perhaps your words and examples move them to action.

Instinctively, you welcome opportunities to exchange new theories, innovative thoughts, and intriguing concepts. (YES!) Others’ original thinking probably stimulates your creativity. (YES!) Chances are good that you feel forlorn (if ever there was a word to describe the pit of feelings plaguing me this week, especially yesterday, it is forlorn) — that is, miserable or deprived — when you are separated from someone who is dear to you. (SO MUCH YES!) You yearn to spend time with your friends. Their absence saddens you.

Driven by your talents, you live your life at center stage. (sort of yes) It is risky at times. However, it is the only way you will ever know how much people appreciate and love you. (but also yes) Being a person of prominence and achievement comes naturally to you. You easily capture the attention of others. You sense that you are most alive when you hear thunderous applause or receive accolades from those who realize you are important. (I do like recognition) By nature, you typically fill your time with reading when friends or special support groups are far away. (truer.words) You peruse — that is, studiously examine — fiction or nonfiction, newspaper accounts, correspondence, magazine articles, or research papers. This helps you forget the loneliness you can feel. In the process of pulling together insights or information (i love pulling together insights and information), you broaden your knowledge base.