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?)