Hold on to the thought that you are soon old enough to create your own life and find companions who treat you with the respect you deserve.

I recently stayed in a ‘hetero-friendly’ gay hotel and it was great to see that the age of gay-bashing is really over – at least in the big cities.

As to your strength – I love the way you are clear about what your strength and weaknesses are like! That shows a lot of natural wisdom.

Bravery- I have not always been brave. In fact, as long as I can remember, I’ve been quite the push-over (which I undoubtedly inherited from my mother). However, in recent years, I’ve acquired quite the backbone. Even in the past when I had no “spine”, if things went to far, especially with a friend or family member being troubled by someone, I was quite the little ball of fury. And I still am in this case, not only more so, but along with my courage to stand for other things.

Humor- Humor is certainly a key strength of mine. While I don’t always use humor to lighten up my pessimistic attitude or thoughts and worries, I allow what comedic talents I have to lighten, cheer up, and lift the moods of my friends and family or anyone who might need it.

Creativity- As I have mentioned before, creativity is one of my strengths. I’ve been creative as long as I can remember and incorporate my gift in life every day.

Curiosity- I’m very curious. However, curiosity kills the cat as they say. Which is why I know when to “stop”. Though taking an electronic device apart sounds more than fun, I do not do it in caution to that I may not know how to put it back together. And for example, animals and plants. I’m very careful if examining something “new” in regard to the fact that some flora and fauna can be poisonous. So I’m especially hesitant to physically examine a bug or plant.

Open-mindedness- I’ve always been open-minded, but some of that “open-ness” was closed up a bit by my dad, who is quite the bigot. In recent years, I have regained that “open-ness” but in certain instances, I’m sometimes narrow minded. This is only when I hold onto a belief of mine because I feel that it is sort of a “safety blanket” to an insecurity I possess.

Perspective- Being an artist, I suppose I naturally see things in many perspectives. I’m also very good at putting myself in others shoes. I’ve always been mature for my age and shown wisdom beyond my years, which may be why so many of my friends rely on me to be their personal, mini “Dr. Phil”. I enjoy this because I help my friends and often give them beneficial advice. The only time that I get annoyed by this is some of my “friends” take advantage of this, but never give the time to listen to ME and my problems, only blabbing on about the drama in their life.

Love- Another thing I’ve mentioned before, is my golden heart. Sometimes I feel my depression tints this golden heart of mine, but it always glimmers brightly when I’m giving my love to a friend or family member. Though there is somewhat of a weakness to this, which is that I do not know how to love myself. But I’m working on it!

Kindness- I believe this goes along a bit with my heart of gold. I’m very kind. I always have been. Especially when it’s to a friend or member of my family.

Spirituality- I was born and raised here in Texas. My home town and current residence is a small town, church-going, farming community. For me, it is hell. I have never fit in and was violently bullied both physically and verbally throughout my school years (thankfully I now attend and alternative school). I have been picked on for being different, and flamboyant. The only time I ever was respected was when someone brought up my artistic abilities, which even the bullies gave me credit for (they also forced me to draw for them on assignments that required it). When I went back to school last year at the age of 16, everyone found out that I was homosexual. Which, as you can imagine, living in this farming church-going community, made things only twice as worse. My parents have always been shoving Christianity down my throat. And even more so now that they have found out that I am gay. This has resulted me in being very anti-religious. It has caused me to go agnostic. Which from what I know, is basically like being an atheist. Except you do believe in a higher power, a higher purpose, and a possible after life. I’ve always felt quite strong about my spiritual emotions. Which is why I have chosen Spirituality as a strength. Reading your blog has introduced me to Buddhism and has caused me to learn about it, which will probably result in me converting.

Humility/Modesty- I suppose my lack of confidence and depression are what results in this being a “strength” of mine. There are very little things I’m confident in about myself. These include knowing that I’m a kind and loving person, a good and genuine friend, a very intellectual individual, and a very creative person. Though I love that I have an artistic ability, and have no idea what I’d do without it, I’m highly critical on my work and often have doubts about my abilities.
Prudence- Prudence is certainly an aspect of mine. My mind is very well aware of when I need to avoid doing or saying something, but I sometimes choose not to listen to it and do or say so anyways. This is usually when someone insults or talks badly about something I hold close to my heart or about someone I love. I’m a terribly defensive individual.

*WEAKNESSES*
Vitality
Leadership
Appreciation of beauty and excellence
Persistence
Gratitude
Hope
Self-regulation

All of the above used to be strengths of mine, except for Appreciation of beauty and excellence (something I didn’t even think about as a child) and self-regulation. The reason these are no longer strengths are due to my depressive state.

But, I can look at this list of weaknesses and use it as motivation to wash away this pathetic pessimism and depression and recover these extraordinary lost strengths!

Excellent article. This is a great series.

MonkMojo applies for a job not well suited for his strengths.