I took an assessment at my internship last week to find my top five strengths. Seeing those results made me happy because it solidified my belief that my experiences have shaped my qualities, and most importantly, the woman I am today (who I’ve become really proud of).

Oh and I totally knew my top five… ok maybe I didn’t, but I had a good idea!!

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#5. Includer

I’ve had my fair share of being excluded in the past so I know how it feels, and I never want others to feel that way. I’ve written about this in some of my posts, in hopes that a reader is saying to themself, “wow, so it’s not just me.” 

I guess you can say my blog is inclusive: the goal is to help someone who is going through a struggle of their own, whether they have a disability or not. I want my stories to positively impact as many people as possible- whether you can relate or just find some sort of revelation through my writing, or I don’t know, maybe you just find me interesting lol.

#4. Achiever

Definitely one of my favorite strengths. I want to achieve my goals even if they aren’t always easy for me, and I actually prefer it that way. I mean, if things are just handed to us so easily, we’ll never learn, ya know? 

I always like to bring up (especially at job interviews) about how I write out everything I have to do in a planner and set out goals for myself each day. Usually prioritizing the more difficult or lengthy tasks, whether their professional or personal. Call me a nerd if you’d like… but hey, nerds are cool 😉

#3. Empathy

I get emotionally invested in things and it helps me be a voice for people. I like to think it’s why my public speeches have so much feeling to them.

My most recent speech at the FARA symposium in October is one for me to remember. I was so proud of myself and my FAmily panelists because we did an amazing job in explaining our journeys with FA. Our speeches not only focus on us, but our family and friends, and everybody in the FA community.

#2. Positivity

Shocker, right?? I’ve always been quick to smile and give compliments just to make someone’s day. Positivity just comes so naturally to me, and I can thank my parents for having the same positivity as well.

If it’s not already obvious, living with FA has always taught me to be positive. There’s no point in sitting around and constantly reminding myself of the things in the past, or what I can’t do. Yes, I feel sad sometimes, but why should I feel that way all the time? I have a great life, SO WHAT I got a pair of crappy legs??!! Nobody can drag me down. *Ok now cueing “Drag Me Down” by One Direction*

#1. Restorative

I like to solve or figure things out, whether there happens to be a problem in a relationship, a difficult task at work, or a challenge with FA. This part of me wants to always try to make it better.

I fix what I can and I succeed when it comes to disputes and assignments, but there’s one I can’t fix: FA (although I would like to). So what can I do? I can continue to be happy, help people, bring awareness, and just live my best damn life.

Imagine if I was someone who never wanted to do these things because I was too scared or embarrassed of having a disability? I can’t fix what I’m not in control of: FA, but I can fix what I am in control of: the way I live my life.

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Although a little test may have told me my top five strengths, I already understood why they were there. It was fun deep diving into each one and maybe they all relate to FA somehow, but what can I say? FA is a big part of my life. Who I am/the qualities I have is an even bigger part though!!!

I hope this gets you thinking about your strengths too 🙂