Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-In Friday April 13th 2018

@BeeLeigh hey bee <3

2. Think about a few of your favorite hobbies or activities. What is it about these activities that you enjoy? How do these activities put your strengths to use?

- My favorite activity is singing. the thing i enjoy most about it that i can express my emotions and am having a voice. I love it :)

3. Sometimes other people are better at spotting our strengths than we are. Because we are so used to our own strengths, they can start to feel ordinary or unspectacular. What strengths or positive qualities have others shared about you? How did they notice these strengths?

- That i am kind and supporting, strong and a fighter. They noticed it because i am always kind to anyone and offer help to anyone. They think i am strong because some of them think that they know my story (they only know a part of it though) and they know its not easy to bring me down and that i never give up. :)

4. In what parts of your life have you had the most success? Dont think of success only in terms of career or income -- think of success as anything you have achieved, such as friendship, knowledge, or happiness. What about yourself has allowed you to be successful in these areas?

- one thing is was really succesfull with is self love and knowledge. there was that one point in my life where i knew, i shouldnt be treated like that and i learned that no one should ever make you feel negative, no matter in which way and that people shouldnt treat me bad anymore, so i got rid of all my negativity in life.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day! <3

@BeeLeigh

1. Although some of our strengths are obvious to us, others go unnoticed. You can often spot your invisible strengths by noticing the things that energize you. Thinking about this past week, when did you feel most energized? What strengths were you using?

I felt most energized when I was with my boyfriend, when I accomplished something I never thought I could do, and when my teacher complimented me on something I thought I did badly on.

2. Think about a few of your favorite hobbies or activities. What is it about these activities that you enjoy? How do these activities put your strengths to use?

My favorite hobbies are writing, reading, playing video games, and watching TV shows. I like writing because I can express myself, and it brings awareness to certain things. I can lose myself in books, games, and TV shows, and forget things for a while. Also, with games, I get to use mental skills to try to achieve things.

3. Sometimes other people are better at spotting our strengths than we are. Because we are so used to our own strengths, they can start to feel ordinary or unspectacular. What strengths or positive qualities have others shared about you? How did they notice these strengths?

People say that I'm good at public speaking and that I need to let out this personality. I'm also apparently good at writing, but most of my life I was told otherwise so I never really know half the time.

4. In what parts of your life have you had the most success? Dont think of success only in terms of career or income -- think of success as anything you have achieved, such as friendship, knowledge, or happiness. What about yourself has allowed you to be successful in these areas?

I've been most successful in classes that are lecture-based, and not lab based. I made friends that I made myself a part of their life, and at first, they didn't like me, but soon they began to see I wasn't so bad so they were soon okay with it. They have been the most supportive of anything I do.

5. Imagine a time you felt you were at your best. Describe what you were doing, and what about that situation made you feel confident. Compare this to a time when you felt uneasy, or a time you were not confident. What are the differences?

The time that I was at my worst was when I was a child, and after I had suffered my most traumatic event I felt extremely depressed, I lost interest in things, and I hated everyone. Now, I was at my best probably this past week. I have never felt better, and it seems to all been caused by this really small thing I did. Suddenly everything is going right. I was able to give a speech with no nervousness. I was able to get stuff done. I have never been happier.

6. Think of someone whom you admire or respect. What are this persons greatest strengths? How do you know? Do you share any of these strengths?

A person I admire is Davey Havok. He is such a kind and wonderful person. He is like the epidamy of a role model. He doesn't do drugs, he is a vegan, and like I said he is so kind hearted. I share some things, but not the vegan standpoint.

7. Situations that rely on our weaknesses can leave us feeling drained and exhausted. What sort of situations cause you to feel this way? What weaknesses might be at the root of this?

Mostly I feel drained when my family does things that get me depressed.

8. When a persons goals align with their strengths, they tend to put forth more effort, and are more likely to be successful. Think about some of the goals you have for your future. How can you utilize your strengths to achieve each of these goals?

My goals are to get the job I've always wanted, and I'm pursuing a college degree for that. If I keep working hard, and better my writing then my goal will come true. Other than that I have very minimal goals, things mostly anyone can achieve, I just haven't done anything to go achieve those yet, but after I finished college I will do so promptly.

Two of my most prominent strengths are-

-Emphatic (to a fault)

-Quick Learner in Any Subject

Because of these strengths I've been able to be an ally and advocate for folks, I've been able to help people feel less alone and more understood, and I've learned so much about the human mind and experience even outside of academia.

@BeeLeigh Hej Bee, Awesome post.

Moving, what's there to say lol

@BeeLeigh

1. Although some of our strengths are obvious to us, others go unnoticed. You can often spot your invisible strengths by noticing the things that energize you. Thinking about this past week, when did you feel most energized? What strengths were you using?

I am most happy when I get people motivated. When I see people rise above what they thought they were capable of. I am enthousiastic.

2. Think about a few of your favorite hobbies or activities. What is it about these activities that you enjoy? How do these activities put your strengths to use?

I love to sing because it helps me breath and focus. It releases stress. I love my voice, I have seen people get healed listening to me sing. It is really cool.

I play table tennis. I love competition. I need to be the best. It releases stress too.

3. Sometimes other people are better at spotting our strengths than we are. Because we are so used to our own strengths, they can start to feel ordinary or unspectacular. What strengths or positive qualities have others shared about you? How did they notice these strengths?

When I volunteer anywhere I always end up on the board. Start-ups ask me to join. I dont apply, it just happens. I dont really feel like I am contributing but they are so happy to have me on board. I seem to bring a lightness to things. And ideas that are out of the box.

4. In what parts of your life have you had the most success? Dont think of success only in terms of career or income -- think of success as anything you have achieved, such as friendship, knowledge, or happiness. What about yourself has allowed you to be successful in these areas?

When I look at my two daughters I am extremely proud. My girls are 22 and 24. Both have Uni degrees and are doing amazing. They are caring, smart, and beautiful girls. They still think I am the best mom in the world. I did something good!

5. Imagine a time you felt you were at your best. Describe what you were doing, and what about that situation made you feel confident. Compare this to a time when you felt uneasy, or a time you were not confident. What are the differences?

I think I am most confident as a team leader. I find it harder to work with individuals.

I am confident when I like what I do. If I like it I can become good at it. If I dont like it is uncomfortable even if I can do it.

6. Think of someone whom you admire or respect. What are this persons greatest strengths? How do you know? Do you share any of these strengths?

I love people that love on people. I admire them. I want to be like that.

7. Situations that rely on our weaknesses can leave us feeling drained and exhausted. What sort of situations cause you to feel this way? What weaknesses might be at the root of this?

I think because I can do so much, I tend to do too much. I am also a perfectionist, if I am unsure about something it will become a burden. I have a hard time asking for help.

8. When a persons goals align with their strengths, they tend to put forth more effort, and are more likely to be successful. Think about some of the goals you have for your future. How can you utilize your strengths to achieve each of these goals?

I have many goals that I want to achieve. I have realised that if I really want to achieve them I need to get healed up first. I have put things on hold because healing takes a lot of energy and time.

I just want to say how proud I am of all of you that actually answered my questions! It's not easy to look into ourselves and pull out our strengths, because we may not always feel like we have any, but you guys all did just that today and I'm so proud of you for going for it! Each and every one of you here is strong, whether you can see it or not. 😊💜

1. I'm currently doing a practicum for my program in a hospital. I was very excited to start the practicum from the very beginning (end of Feb). I think I feel energized and probably running on adrenaline during the day, Mon-Fri during my practicum. I feel energized whenever I step foot inside the hospital, then once I get into my department, I always can't wait to start. As a matter of fact, yesterday, I went into the department before the other students, and I was talking to one of the staff. We were in the same station the day before and she asked how I liked it. Because there were two times where things seemed overwhelming with continuous work sent to us. I told her I loved it, that I like to keep busy. That I couldn't stand just standing there and doing nothing (there was a rep close by doing her thing and she commented that I was in the right place, as there is always something to do in the department).

2. I used to go to a craft shop and sit for hours painting a ceramic figure that I chose and bought in-store. I'd sit there for 3-4 hours painting, about 3 times a week. It works well with my concentration, patience, and being detailed. Now, that place closed down and we've moved away. I've started the Adult Coloring book instead, and doing puzzles. I've completed a 300 piece one. And is working on a 700 piece puzzle. I listen to my music as I do these activities, and it relaxes me and puts my mind at ease.

3. My instructor has seen the effort I've put into a presentation, she mentioned that I was very thorough in my research, that I covered everything and she had nothing to say about it. I answered all the questions in detail. When I noticed some of our chemical products where nearing the expiring date, I notified the staff I was working with and also mentioned it to the instructor. She told me that I was being very observative, she saw how I worked in other stations and commented that I was very detail-oriented, organized and has great observation skills. She said they needed more people like me working in the department.

4. More than 10 years ago, I was in Scouting. We had a hiking trip that was during a long weekend. The challenge was hiking for 20km. We had two Environment guides leading us (there were about 12 of us) through the forest. We had to carry our camping supplies, so bags were full with sleeping bags, mattress, clothing, utensils, first aid kits..etc. We climbed over and under fallen trees, it was a real challenge. During the trek, I was always at the front with the guide, learning about plants and fungi we see on the way. At the end of the hike, when we got home. My leaders were telling my parents that they were impressed with my perserverance. It felt good to have achieved something when others thought I couldn't do it.

5. Can't think of anything at the moment.

6. Don't have anyone I know in person. But if it counts, there are a couple of people that I admire (Korean Singers, and leaders of their group). Although I like their music, it's more of how I like how they face challenges as a famous figure. One of them had gone through a really bad depression phase. Although everything I see them do is through news, the internet, and the reality shows they appear on. I really admire how they go about their busy lives, still achieving new things, and coping with scandals or any negative energy going their way. Protective of other members and mindful of everyone they work with. If famous idols like them can go through with their lives, it motivates me to want to become someone stronger and greater.

7. Hmm.. What makes me feel drained? Being out in the public where there are many people completely drains me mentally. Being in a busy mall totally wears me out afterwards. In places like that, I'm always on my toes. Being alert of my surroundings, observing everyone around me and faraway. My radar is always on and in full swing. So, after shopping with family in a busy mall, I always need time to wind down and sometimes even a nap is necessary.

8. This program that I'm doing a practicum for at the moment, fits into my love of helping others. Although our work is more of the behind-the-scenes, but it is cruicial and very important. This is a huge career change for me, and I believe this is a career that I will enjoy doing for the rest of my life. As I decided to take this program, I had some goals set before. Where and what I want to do when I'm 5 years into the career. I wanted to send my parents on more cruise trips and pay for it. I want to vacation with family/friends/by myself to South Korea, and spend at least 3 weeks there. I've always loved helping others since I was in first grade, helping teachers with tasks, teaching students English during my ESL classes in third grade, helping people find things, just anything that I can lend a helping hand to, I will.

@BeeLeigh, Thank you for the questions. It's a lot easier to think of our own strengths and weaknesses with guidance!~