Happy July! It's a week after the 4th of July and I feel like my family is finally starting to catch up on our sleep from the holiday weekend. We had so much fun with family, being outside, and swimming, but then needed a vacation from our vacation!
Yesterday I attended the second session of the Embe Women's Leadership program. During this session we got to spend time learning about our strengths using the Clifton StrengthsFinder. Our facilitator, Haley Samuelson, shared this quote from Donald Clifton, the creator of StrengthsFinder: "What will happen when we think about what is right with people rather than fixating on what is wrong with them?" This quote resonated with me and the posture that we lift up within the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), where we ask "What' right about you? What are your strengths?" In CRM, we call this a resiliency focused approach. So often I can get stuck in focusing on what I'm bad at, what I haven't been able to do, or what's not working out. Can I switch my perspective and remember what's right, what is working, and share gratitude for these strengths?
One of my strengths is Individualization. According to StrengthsFinder, people "exceptionally talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person." That one hit the nail on the head for me. So here's the Individualization strength in me coming forward this morning to say-You are important. You matter. You have intrinsic value that no one can take away.
Just for fun, check out this song (You Are the One) by the Okie Dokie Brothers-it's been running through my head. You are the one and only you-and the world is better for it! Let's live into our strengths today!
May we be safe, healthy, have joy, and live in peace.
-Sarah
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