Topic: Navel gazing
Time for contemplation, setting goals, taking stock, and general navel gazing. And this year, I have an audience on which to inflict it! Lucky, lucky you.
Scheherazade also thinks that this is an appropriate time for activities of this nature, which is why she pointed out the "signature strengths" survey at authentichappiness.org. We all know I can't keep away from the internet quizzes. Or keep the results to myself. So here's the abbreviated version of what the survey had to say about my "signature strengths":
- Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness: You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person. (And I'm so grateful to the Blue Fairy for making me that way!)
- Curiosity and interest in the world: You like exploration and discovery. (If I didn't know that my mom occasionally drops by, comments like this could lead me down some very inappropriate paths)
- 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. (Say it with me: neeeeerrrrrd!)
- Appreciation of beauty and excellence: You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life. (All together now: snoooooooooooooob!)
- Capacity to love and be loved: You value close relations with others. (Heh. Heh heh. Yes, I'm twelve. Come on - I get this and #2 and I'm not supposed to snicker?)
As tools go, though, I much prefer open-ended exercises like the Proust Questionnaire (this version borrowed from Searchblog):
What is your most marked characteristic?After all that, all that comes to mind for a conclusion is another classic phrase: 'Pbtha-pbtha-pbthat's all folks!'
Empathy
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Compassion
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Determination
What do you most value in your friends?
Curiosity, intelligence, wit, passion
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Selfishness
What is your favorite occupation?
Sitting under a tree on a summer afternoon, reading
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don't really have one - don't think its possible. The closest I've come, though, has usually been on a long night spent talking and eating with close friends.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Failure
In which country would you like to live?
Croatia or Cambodia
Who are your favorite writers?
Margaret Atwood, Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Sherman Alexie
Who are your favorite poets?
ee cummings, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Mr. Darcy
Who is your favorite heroine of fiction?
Thursday Next
Who are your favorite composers?
Bach and Beethoven
Who are your favorite painters?
Matisse, O'Keefe, Rembrandt, Van Gogh
What are your favorite names?
Michaela (as it's pronounced in German, Me'shellah) and Paul (Pavel, Paolo, etc.)
What is it that you most dislike?
Intentional rudeness
Which talent would you most like to have?
To play the piano well
How would you like to die?
With few regrets
What is your current state of mind?
Edgy
What is your motto?
'Always recognize that human individuals are ends, and do not use them as means to your end.'
-Immanuel Kant
(With all these 'what is...' questions, I rather feel as if I'm facing the Bridgekeeper.)
*The Evil Queen from Snow White. Stupid test. I'm clearly Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty.
Updated: Friday, 6 January 2006 3:24 AM GMT