Identify & Use Your Strengths At LFC we come from a place of strength, not weakness. Together, we build on what you already have going for you – your strengths. True depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, low self-esteem can slow you down, wear you out, block your path, but these emotions are not you. They do not get to define who you are. While we work with you to get those under control, one way you do it is to utilize your own strengths. We build on what you have, not on something you don’t. Below is a sort of Tale of Two Cities. The characters in the story are real. Just names and situations have been changed to protect privacy. Our ideas for our life tend to stem from our environment and exposure to life. Iris, born and bred in NYC, always wanted to become a Rockette. If you don’t know what a Rockette is, simply put, a Rockette is a gorgeous, tall, leggy girl who dances in a chorus line in precision routines with others matching her size and dimensions. Iris was gorgeous, young, enthusiastic. But she was a bit too short and so were her legs. That was disappointing, discouraging, depressing… She could have fixed her hair, if that was the issue, or her boobs, or her face… but not much you can do about growing bones! She had to face the facts: Becoming a Rockette was not going to happen. Iris loved to look gorgeous, to entertain people, to make them happy, to see heads turn as she walked. She had a lot more going for her so why limit her dreams to being a Rockette. Some people would give up right there. Use it as an excuse to be less than…. I think we all know people like that. First, Iris had to acknowledge her disappointment, and then think outside her original dream. Iris was smart, personable, and a hard worker. She decided to find a job that would benefit from and appreciate her skills. Using her strengths, she modeled rather successfully and eventually became a buyer for a major high end department store. Okay, you say, that story is definitely not me. I could care less about that kind of stuff. But her story is and isn’t like you. You might not have the dream Iris had, but what dream have you had? What has stopped you? Money? Time? Your brains? Family obligations? Got it. Those tend to stop many a person in his/her tracks. What can you do to improve your life, to live your best life now? Come from a place of your strengths! Challenge your negative emotions that drag you down and smother your life. You have something to offer this world. You are needed… as you are, and as you can become, regardless of gender, gender identification, age, and all the other obstacles that limit you. Ralph was one such guy. He came from a low socio-economic neighborhood by East L.A. in a run -down part of town. He had not finished high school, nor thought himself capable of doing so. But, unbeknown to him, he had internal strengths. He had a mind of his own. He did not get into a gang. But nevertheless, he lumbered along, feeling life was passing him by. Ralph came to therapy reflecting depression in every step he took. He was sullen; depressed; anxious. He did not believe in himself. At all. Slowly he worked his way through his depression. In spite of his anxiety he dragged himself off to continuation school. He kept at it. Slowly and steadily. Like a mule. And he succeeded. He graduated! He considered this kind of a job and that, and eventually, realizing his love of cars, went to mechanic school. He did more for himself than he ever dreamed possible. And now it is your turn. What are your strengths? Here is a list below that might help you. Go ahead and copy it and then circle your strengths. Be honest. Ask a friend if you need to have another voice. This is not about your weaknesses so do not ask anyone who is into “Yeah, but….” That’s giving with one hand and taking back with the other. We are truth seekers. Not wishful thinkers. Not put-you downers. Truth. Truth is, you have strengths. You can build on them. Get to work now and start your journey…. Your List of Strengths quiz Look through the following list. Circle the strengths you think you have, even if only a bit. Add strengths you have that are not on the list in the space below. What are the strengths you have that are not listed? Write in as many as you like. Stand back and take it in. These strengths help you move forward to living your best life. Adventurous Bright Compassionate Courageous Courteous Curious Dedicated Entertaining Efficient Fair-minded Fast learner Funny Generous Giving Hard worker Healthy Honest Humorous Insightful Intelligent Kind Loving Loyal Optimistic Organized Patient Persevering Respectful Smart Spiritual Strong Strong-willed Thoughtful Wise Connect with a Therapist
