ISFJ

So I recently completed my MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) certification in Boston.  I met some great people and learned a lot about personality "type".  I learned so much about myself and so much about others.  I sat at a table with some great folks...one gal from Pennsylvania, Candice, was almost my type opposite and I so enjoyed talking with her and hearing how she processes information. 

One of the greatest things I learned is that as someone who has a preference for Introversion, I like to process information internally (which I knew) and that getting that information out to others is very difficult for me (which I did NOT know) because it all makes such great sense in my very own brain...but I'm unsure of how to put my thoughts into words. 

Now I understand why I thought it would be a great idea to have a blog but can't come up with creative ways to express my thoughts. 

 

 

So now I am certified to administer MBTI assessments and debrief the results with folks, either individuals in coaching or for groups as team building...and I'm really looking forward to getting deeper into what makes people tick and why they do the things they do! 

 

I'm Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging - what does that mean?  Introverted - I prefer to process information internally rather than talking through things with others, I prefer to recharge in the quiet by myself rather than with a group of people.  Sensing - I take in details using my senses (what I see, hear, smell, feel and taste) rather than using my intuition to form hypotheses or theories.  Feeling - I make choices based on my own value systems and care about the value systems of others rather than objectively thinking about what is the best choice for the situation.  Judging - I like to make plans and do things in an orderly fashion rather than perceiving what all of my options are and making a last minute decision based on that. 

 

Do you know what your Myers-Briggs type is?  Would you like to do a deep dive into what makes you tick?  

Choices

One of the biggest challenges facing us all every day is recognizing that we have choices.  When I remind people of their ability to make choices, often the response I get is:

But actually I didn't have a choice about...

...the rain falling the entire week of my vacation

...a close relationship ending

...getting overlooked for that promotion

...my car needing so much work

And maybe folks are right when they say they didn't have a choice about those things.  You know what they DO have a choice about?  How they respond when these things do happen.  Because folks you know what???  Life is happening all around you, and it's not all fun and games.  Sometimes you are thrown a tough blow, sometimes too many blows at once, and the choices you make about how to respond to these challenges is up to you. 

I think it would stink to have an entire week of vacation rain...but I sure do like seeing the plants on my deck looking as lush as a tropical rain forest due to the rainfall!

When close relationships end it can be devastating...and it can be a wonderful opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

Getting overlooked for a promotion at work can be a total drag...and it can be a great chance to work on your interview skills/technical skills/leadership skills so you are better positioned for the next opportunity that presents itself. 

Your car needing so much work can be inconvenient and expensive...and you can take such comfort in knowing that you have a finely tuned automobile in which to transport the people you love. 

Your choices are in how you respond to challenges, folks.  I'm not suggesting everyone adopt a "Soozie Sunshine" attitude because I don't think that's authentic or sustainable....but choosing to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow is a very healthy and positive way to work through them. 

Happiness!!!

Howdy!  If I was already a more established blogger, I would invite my new friend - Anne Lafleur - to write a guest blog for me!  However, being a brand new blogger myself, I'm going to take this opportunity to blog about my new friend Anne and the beautiful project she recently started! 

Anne recently started The Gift of Happiness project...you can read all about it on her website:  http://thegiftofhappiness.org/.  When I first heard about this project a week ago I immediately reached out to Anne, wanting to support her.  She was so happy that I had reached out and asked me to introduce myself if I went to the Natick Farmers Market.  Last Saturday as I was driving to Natick I asked Darin to please google what time the Natick Farmers Market was open until...he checked and told me...1 pm.  It was 12:40 and I was just merging off the Mass Pike!  So I sped up and raced to downtown Natick and at 12:50 we arrived!  I went straight to Anne's booth and introduced myself. 

Friends...I must say it was one of the warmest, happiest greetings I've ever received.  Anne was really happy to meet me, I could tell.  And I was really happy to meet Anne!  As I looked over the items on her table, I was totally overcome with emotion.  I couldn't believe that there was a project dedicated to happiness and paying happiness forward - it's just such a beautiful idea and that she has put it into motion and that the proceeds will benefit such an amazing cause - let's just say I shed a few tears!

I love these kits, I bought a few and I will buy some more!  I can't think of a better gift than spreading happiness!  Kudos to Anne for having an idea and making it happen!!!   Check out her website and reach out to her with questions or just to tell her your happiness story!!!

xoxo