Monday, March 10, 2008

My Multiple Personalities

I have multiple personalities. Well, they're not so much my personalities, as personalities I "borrow" from other people.
I should say I have access to multiple personalities. That's probably more accurate.

I don't remember when I actually started borrowing personalities, but I've been doing it for some time now. See, I get into a situation that calls for a trait I don't possess, or at least I don't believe I'm good at, and my mind wanders off a bit - thinking about who I know that would do really well in that situation. And then? I channel that person.

It's actually kind of amazing, the stuff I can do with other people's personalities.

See, I'm a total introvert. Really, if I had the choice, most nights I would sit at home and read or do something that doesn't make me interact with people. But since I work with the young women at church, there are lots of nights where not only do I have to go somewhere, but I have to go and interact. Be uplifting. Be interested in people's lives. Listen. Ask questions.

And because sometimes I don't want to do that, I tend to think of the most charming, gregarious woman I know, and I sort of borrow her charm, and pretty soon I'm over at the church laughing with the girls. Most of the time I don't really notice when her personality leaves, and mine kicks in. Which I guess means that I actually do have outgoingness in me somewhere, it's just hard to access.

Yesterday, in a difficult situation at church, I caught myself thinking,
"How can I talk my way through this? I wish DeeDee were here. She is so good at being articulate and firm."
And then I took a deep breath, and I channeled DeeDee. I just sort of let her take over, and I did exactly what I thought she would do. And you know what? DeeDee did a fantastic job talking to the right people about a sticky little problem I've got going on with my calling.

I have a friend who is extremely compassionate, and non judgmental. Often when I'm feeling frustrated with someone, I try to access that friend's personality in my mind, and let it take over. It's amazing, the kinds of caring and nice things I can say when I'm using her personality. And it doesn't take long before I really do feel more compassion for the person in need.

I also have people I channel who are ultra-organized, forceful and stubborn, and even one who knows how to NOT BURN THE GARLIC BREAD AGAIN. (Let's just say that HER appearances are few and far between.)

I realize, of course, that there is One person that I should truly try to emulate. But sometimes the idea of a perfect example is a little overwhelming to me.

And so I feel pretty lucky to know so many wonderful, talented women, who let me learn from an example that's a little closer to perfection than I am. Their examples point the way for me to get that much closer to my Savior.

Thanks to all the wonderful women in my life, for letting me ride your coattails for a little while.


And if you find your personality is missing, I'll get it back to you as soon as I can, I promise!

(you did write your name on it, didn't you?)

23 comments:

Susie H said...

What a wonderful post, and what a great idea!!!

ganelle said...

Great idea. I too get overwhelmed at the perfect example, and strive for something more obtainable, like President Hinkley (Although again, WAY out of my league.) I love the idea of channeling women we know. I think I'll borrow that. Thanks!

Whitney said...

How cute! I like how you just think of women who have traits you admire, and then do emulate them! It's nice to have examples to look up to, and I know that some are "channeling" you, too!

Jan said...

I always read your comments on Temporary and Ordinary and I always like them. Thought I would pop over and say that. This is a cute post and an awesome idea. Examples are always nice to live by. It makes us realize that someone might be watching you too.

Caroline C. Bingham said...

You're so cute.

(Plus, I totally do that too!)

Tori :) said...

I'm kinda introverted too and have to borrow personalities as well!!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I do this. Been doing it for -years-.

~sniff~ So glad I'm not aloooone! I thought I was a freak! ~wails~

The Dillon 6 said...

I do the same thing. Sometimes I wonder if I know who I really am...

goddessdivine said...

Is this like a 6th sense or a superpower?

I have several dozen personalities myself. Some pop up more than I like.

It is always good to ponder the wonderful people in our lives who teach us so many things. Thanks for the reminder.

Janssen said...

Very nice idea. I'll have to take it for a spin soon!

Heather said...

Oh, man. I can't imagine you anything BUT outgoing. How funny, apparently the channeling works.

Tonya said...

Hey, whatever it takes right?

Do you know where I can borrow a "highly organized, have all my food storage and emergency supplies together" personality?

Vern said...

I have a few suggestions for ganelle when looking for "something more attainable". I'm usually available on the weekends. And good luck with your "sticky situation" - gotta love those.

Heidi said...

Lovely post--and SO true. Channeling someone is much easier than developing your own personality--at least for me.

Busy Bee Lauren said...

I think you and I are twins. I am so introverted that I am forced into stealing other people's personalities. It is rather convenient. The problem is figuring out who I will steal from next.

Melissa said...

I have done this too... but never really thought about it! So glad to now recognize this about myself :)

Yvonne said...

That is such a great idea. Isn't it great to have such wonderful friends who help us and inspire us. (I hope you know you are one of those people ; )

Nancy Face said...

What an amazing idea! I think I've done this without even realizing what I was doing!

You're awesome! :)

Anonymous said...

It is amazing how this works isn't it? I do it too. It sounds so ridiculous but really thinking about what someone else would do seems to give you strength to do it.

Lippy said...

Hey, I think your plan was brilliant! It got you through, intact, and everyone was happy. Not an easy thing to do!

Marisa said...

Ooh! I do like this idea. I'm going to borrow it, that ok? I like your blog! You got yourself a new reader.

Christine said...

LOL. Working in YW's is enough to give anyone an identity crisis!! Still my favorite calling though :D

(ran into trouble posting this one so if it appears three times or something, sorry :P )

Dave said...

I'm totally an introvert two.