Five Signature Strengths

These are my top 5 strengths according to the online test maintained at the Seligman site based on Authentic Happiness. The descriptions are from the website. How to incorporate these strengths into my daily life? I have been doing a lot of thinking about these strengths. However, I am not sure where to go now.

1. Curiosity and Interest in the World

You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

The time I spend on the internet starts to trigger this strength. However, my follow-up leaves a lot to be desired! The trigger happens but it does not result in an end product. So, this triggered strength probably ends in frustration because nothing happens to bring the knowledge into concreteness.

2. Forgiveness & Mercy

You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

Not sure how how this manifests in my life. However, D, M and Ursula all seem to recognize this as a major component in my life. I don't feel Forgiveness and Mercy as a major strength. In fact, I always thought that I held grudges. However, the truth is that I can't recall ever acting out a grudge. I do not smile and pretend that everything is OK. However, when push comes to shove, there is no anger or resentment when interacting with someone who "did me wrong".

Oh wait...major correction. I feel that I hold grudges with Dick and act them out all the time. Hmm, how did I forget that. How odd. No wait...the action is not based on a grudge. It is anger about his unhealthy behavior. So, if I was mad yesterday, am I more mad today? Is the anger disproportionate? Maybe the key is that I do not believe his behavior is "doing me wrong". He does himself wrong. And, so there is nothing for me to forgive.

3. Love of Learning

You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums - anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

This seems to be a natural tie in with my #1 strength. In fact, D and I share both #1 and #3. I do not remember in what order her strengths were listed. This strength probably explains my love of books and why I just cannot resist buying books. I think the word is bibliophile. I am still working on a plan to get all my books read and processed!

4. Zest, enthusiasm and Energy

Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything half-way or half-heartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

I cannot deny this. Life is so exciting. I would guess that an outsider would be bored stiff by my life's appearance. However, when I am in the middle of any process, my inner energies just rise and rise. I can barely contain the excitement of the moment. Then it is over and I can barely remember the process details. I feel as though I completely immersed myself in the process and thereby absorbed all of it. So, it disappeared. Others may see this as weird, but this is how I experience life.

5. Bravery and Valor

You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right, even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

This strength resonates for me. I am not sure where to go with this one. I no longer see myself as an advocate or champion of causes. Perhaps, it is because I live such an insular existence. So, if I were to open myself more to the outer world, I would probably find many "wind mills" to tilt my lance at.

Yes, now I see when I was younger there was a sense of The Man from La Mancha in me. Age has changed and continues to change the expression of my Bravery and Valor. Fighting another's battles only ensures their dependency and further weaknesses.

It has been more than 40 days since I posted here. The war sucked up all my attention. I also have been using the text reader software which allowed me to cover so much more news and writings. Even now, I am listening to William Safire's OpEd on Colin Powell in the NY Times today. I may have to listen to it again. Typing requires more of my attention than listening while playing Spider Solitaire.

I have been looking at the Enneagram again. I guess I am still a Nine with a strong Eight wing. The listening while playing Solitaire seems so like a Nine. I have not been able to get focused or committed to anything. My routine is not as filled with activities as it used to be.

Am getting through my Library books in a reasonable fashion. I still have 400 plus books to read in my home library. Don't have a workable plan to get these books read. The pressutre is always to get to the library books read. I have about 19 borrowed, 14 on hold at the library and 20 on order. I shall try not to order any more books from the library and start reading my own books. I would like to start paring down my home library. It is becoming just a dust magnet.

Why do I collect books? I have a hard time getting rid of nonfiction books, unlike fiction which gets donated readily. Some my books are already obsolete. However, I still plan to read them. Plus, I keep buying more books.

I'm hoping MRS will start posting to this blog real soon. Miss reading her very thoughtful comments.