I’ve been reading a book my twin sister sent me about developing a shift in mindset for weight loss. One chapter struck me. It dealt with leveraging strengths. Years ago, when I was a director of marketing in Corporate America, I was big on strengths, knowing that more could be accomplished by knowing and applying strengths than to correct weaknesses.
Then and now, networking is one of my strengths. But taking this free survey from the VIA Institute on Character identified the following top strengths (from a list of 24):
- Love of learning (Wisdom)
- Creativity (Wisdom)
- Perspective (Wisdom)
- Curiosity (Wisdom)
- Spirituality (Transcendence)
The question I’ve been grappling with now is how do I apply this to my writing practice. Perhaps this is exactly why I’m writing family history essays.
If family history writing is an exploration you want to engage in, please join me for a free, 90-minute Writing Family History workshop on Sunday, November 14, at 2 pm ET. A four-session workshop series will follow beginning January 9. A four-session workshop series begins January 8 for Memoir. If interested, comment below or send an email to barbaradkrasner(at)gmail(dot)com.
In Progress
I spent some time revising my essay about a maternal great-grandmother, but my beta reader says it needs more of “me” in it. This is a common comment I receive, irrespective of who reads it. I also just received a rejection (but with a wonderful personal note) of my essay about my maternal grandfather. Once I complete the draft of my dissertation and wait for feedback from my advisor, I can turn my attention to these essays again.
In the meantime, I’ve signed up for some Creative Nonfiction webinars and a Lafayette Writers’ Studio Zoom session with Brenda Miller about hermit crab essays.
The Whole Megillah 
Very interesting Barb, especially the survey. And I’d like to join you for the family writing workshop.
Thanks, Lisa! I have you on the list for the Nov 14 workshop and will send out the Zoom link to everyone later in the week.
Barb