Finding myself

Not being sure what to do, how and why, I have to take the journey of self discovery. I think everyone encounters this stage, at a certain point in their lives. I've always been thinking, and not acting, wondering why not.

I come across a number of blogs, many I find value in. There's The Simple Dollar, with money tips, Steve Olson's blog, for those pursuing freedom. And there's Living in my own World, which appears to be written by a person who follows the New Age. The most recent would be Success from the Nest. I'm only on the tip of the iceberg, there are so many more blogs I have yet to find and read. And I haven't left many messages yet.

But talking about the now.

For a while, (maybe a year, maybe less, I don't keep track,) I knew that we have to be more open with ourselves. Alot of people are afraid of speaking about themselves, but to understand each other we have to do it. I'm slowly becoming more confident, every time I speak (or write).

I read most of the Soul Searching tag from Success from the Nest, as this is what I need to read right now. Many are helpful, but a few stuck out.

Looking at the third one.

All of us have a unique ability. Maybe a few, maybe one, but there's always something, somewhere. However, because it feels natural to us, we don't notice it. For some time I've wanted to ask people how they saw me. What am I like in their eyes?

After reading it, I decided to move forward. I'll go up to a fair number of my good friends, and ask them: What is my most distinct, unique quality?

It's an unusual question, I'll admit. A rare, simple, yet deep question that may leave a lasting impression. No one really likes talking about themselves, and I feel that being able to go one step further and ask other people about yourself, takes great courage.

I've asked a few people already, and I'll list the (paraphrased) responses here. They are in the order of people who I think know the least about me, to the most:

1. My face, voice, and the way I speak. I appear smart. (This is the first impression I get from almost everyone.)
2. My hairstyle.
   
3. Being here. I'm always there at the same place, even when no one else is. (The person didn't appear serious though.. but it's still true)
4. Doing most of and completing the work on the final night before, and obtaining a higher grade than her, where she worked for two weeks.
5. Communicating. I don't hesitate to speak my mind.
6. "the fact that nothing makes you lose your cool, every time i see you your always composed and calm, its quite impressive"
7. The ability to speak truth, and what needs to be said, even with the knowledge of whether they like it or not.
8. My personality, described as somewhat cynical, somewhat realistic, like the Shrew from The Taming of the Shrew. (her interpretation of the Shrew is a bit different and milder from the actual meaning)

4 out of 12 people have answered that they don't know.

I'll add more as time goes on.
As soon as I feel that I've spoken to enough people, I'll continue this line of posting.