This guy was sick a little while back and we spent significant time together, on the couch, cuddled in blankets. I couldn’t help but snap photos because, clearly, even when he’s sick, he has personality for days. He loves to make me laugh, especially if it seems like an odd moment for laughter. These are just a few of his many faces within a few minutes time.
He’s not an extrovert at all.
He is so much like his mama. His brother, on the other hand, tends to be a lot like his dad. He’s a little more serious at times, and often focused on the deeper meaning. He notices EVERY little detail and wants to know how they all fit together. He wants to know why and most importantly. . . whether or not he could replicate that with popsicle sticks.
Our personalities are all over the map.
Scott and I are both always up for becoming more self-aware, as it impacts all our relationships and our ability to lead well. We enjoy learning about what makes us tick and how we show up in the world as a result. Last night we spent a significant amount of time with Elizabeth Carroll and her mentor Gina Morgan, discussing our results from the CORE map assessment, that Elizabeth is becoming trained in.
It was fascinating.
I think I’ve taken every personality test out there, and every single time, I learn something new. This time, I learned so much about my family and how I can show up best for them. One example is in how I parent Noah, while we’re trying to get out the door in the mornings before school.
While I’m more of a drill sergeant, calling out commands trying to keep us on time. . .
He is enjoying his morning reading, performing a magic trick, or slowly making his way around the room giving everyone a good morning hug. Last night I learned that instead of unintentionally making him feel like there is something wrong with those behaviors, I can help him see how they don’t fit within the system of getting to school on time.
Why does he care?
Because he wants to be an engineer, or an architect. He wants to create military equipment based on strategy. His mind is exploding with ideas and he wants to learn how to do it all. He just needs me to help him see how school helps him get there.
That’s a very different plan from Oaks.
This morning it occurred to me, that the more we seek to understand ourselves and others, the better we can use our gifts to serve them. Life isn’t a one-size-fits all game. It’s a puzzle where our pieces can fit together in endless ways, but we have to pay attention to find them. You can shout commands and get frustrated when they’re not heard or complied with . . . or you can dig in a little deeper to shift your methods to better meet the need.
Whether it’s in your marriage, your parenting, your work or your friendships, you don’t need to change who you are to serve others best.
It could be that a slight adjustment in your approach would change everything.
It’s worth thinking about.
to more love (& personality assessments!) 😉
Crystal
