Tuesday, January 25, 2011

INFP - Personality Types

Today, in English class, I had my students complete a personality quiz (www.mytype.com) which interpreted their answers into their personality type. I did mine as well, coming up with INFP (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling Perceptive). After reading the results and explanation, I think that the results are pretty dead-on. Here they are (and my thoughts):

(1) You are clearly an Introvert

You scored 89% in the direction of Introversion, which means you are clearly an Introvert. People who are clearly Introverts are reserved, quiet, and contemplative. They dislike the social pressures of large groups and being the center of attention, but are not necessarily shy. They frequently spend time alone in order to reflect and "recharge.

I think this is weirdly accurate. I am an introvert, I hate being the center of attention... I don't like large groups of people...

(2) You are clearly an iNtuitive

You scored 67% in the direction of iNtuition, which means you are clearly an iNtuitive. People who are clearly iNtuitives are so focused on the "big picture" that they often overlook the details. Because of this, some people may see them as absent-minded. But don't be fooled: these iNtuitives quickly notice underlying patterns, hidden relationships and ironies that others miss. They enjoy considering the ways people or ideas are connected and are constantly thinking about the future, particularly how to change it.

I think that people think I'm absent-minded alot, and yeah, sometimes I might be, but I really do think about the bigger picture of everything rather than every teeny tiny little detail.

(3) You are a Feeler

You scored 22% in the direction of Feeling, which means you are a Feeler. Feelers are caring, supportive, and appreciative. They naturally reach out to other people, preferring to cooperate and agree rather than argue over who is right. They are comfortable with emotions, both their own and those of others.

(4) You are clearly a Perceiver

You scored 93% in the direction of Perceiving, which means you are clearly a Perceiver. People who are clearly Perceivers lead a flexible, spontaneous lifestyle and avoid making definite plans whenever possible. They get excited by starting something new but find it difficult to finish. They see all sides of every situation, so much so that it is often unclear to them what's "right". When faced with a decision, they will put it off for as long as possible in order to consider all their options. Even once the decision is made, they often second guess themselves.

What's most true about this one is: When faced with a decision, they will put it off for as long as possible in order to consider all their options. I absolutely do this- I consider every angle, but what isn't correct is where it says "even once the decision is made, they often second guess themselves." I don't do this. Once I decide, I don't second guess myself.

There is a lot more that I found from this personality page about my personality type... some of it says:

1) my primary mode of living is focused internally where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

2) More focused on making the world a better place, and finding their meaning in life.

3) highly intuitive about people, meaning INFP's are driven to help people and make the world a better place.

4) Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.

5) INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right.

6) INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".

7) INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group.

8) INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkward and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper.

What was interesting to me is how deadly accurate this was. I’ve taken several personality tests through the years from psychology classes and just a general need-to-know, and for the most part, I’ve always gotten the same general results. I think it’s interesting to discover that while I would like to think that I have changed in my life, grown up, that basically, I still behave, think and act the same way. I’m still uncomfortable in social situations, I don’t like being the center of attention, I hate conflict and will avoid it at all cost, I don’t delegate because no one knows how I want it done except me – and even when I explain it to them, it still doesn’t come across right, and I’m a writer.

These are the traits of an INFP:

  • Strong value systems
  • Warmly interested in people
  • Service-oriented, usually putting the needs of others above their own
  • Loyal and devoted to people and causes
  • Future-oriented
  • Growth-oriented; always want to be growing in a positive direction
  • Creative and inspirational
  • Flexible and laid-back, unless a ruling principle is violated
  • Sensitive and complex
  • Dislike dealing with details and routine work
  • Original and individualistic - "out of the mainstream"
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Prefer to work alone, and may have problems working on teams
  • Value deep and authentic relationships
  • Want to be seen and appreciated for who they are

I also noticed that the career choices for someone with my type of personality fit deadly accurate into my chosen profession. Some others are:

  • Writers
  • Counselors / Social Workers
  • Teachers / Professors
  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Musicians
  • Clergy / Religious Workers

Monday, January 17, 2011

Meet Trooper


This is Trooper. He's the newest member of my family, a sweet, baby boy lab puppy. It wasn't an easy decision, to decide to add another dog to the family, so soon after Hunter's death, but I feel like it was time, and the right circumstances. Tonight when I went to go pick Trooper up, I was chatting with the family and they told me that the father of Trooper's litter's name is Hunter. How sweet is that? I feel more at peace now. I've really struggled with losing Hunter. He was my first dog - oh, I had Rascal and Boo as a child, but Hunter was my responsibility, my first dog... and so I took his death hard. It broke my heart. I still look out into my backyard and expect to see him come running up with the tennis ball in his mouth, expecting me to throw it over and over again.

When it snowed, all I could think about was last March and how Dodger & Hunter played in the snow for hours. Christmas was hard too... seeing his stocking and the ornaments with his paw print... but its okay. Hunter is in a better place and I believe he had a great life here on Earth. He knew he was loved.

That's why I think it just gave me a general peace about adding Trooper to the family... like Hunter was saying, "its okay Mom, I understand. My brother, Dodger, needs a playmate. I know you love & miss me, but Trooper needs a family too."

Friday, January 14, 2011

As 2011 slowly progresses (really, is it the 14th already?), I continue to learn so much about my relationship with Christ, and how my heavenly Father takes care of me every single time.

In this venture of Trinity School, I have really learned to take my worries to the Cross and lay them at His feet. Because, 1) I know that as a child of the King, He has already prepared my way. He knew long before Brooke Bowden was ever thought into existence that she would found and run a school, and that January of 2011 would be the toughest month financially for that tiny school. and 2) worrying about everything is sort of how I got through my teenage years and into college... I worried about my sister, Rebecca, when I moved to Auburn. She slept in my bed with me from the time she was itty bitty until I went the 30 miles to school. How would she fare, now that her big sister had left for college? I was the oldest, and worrying was like 2nd nature to me. I worried about Brady when he was going through his hip problems; I worried that he would stay in the cast for longer than we were told, that he would be made fun of, that he wouldn't adjust, etc. etc. I worried about all of them when they got ready to give their 8th grade speeches, when Rebecca would call me on a Sunday night while I was a freshman at Auburn and tell me how upset she was because Mom had made her mad. I remember sitting in my car, in the parking lot of Leischuck, listening to Rebecca wail through tears. I was helpless to do anything, because I was 30 miles away and couldn't run to her. I worried about my friends in college, the brothers of Pi Kapp when they indulged in too many "adult beverages" - how would they get home, did I need to drive them, take away their keys, where would they be sleeping that night (and praying it wasn't in a ditch or in a jail cell). I worried about staying in the college of Education or finally transferring out, changing to English and abandoning my goal of teaching elementary education - 1st grade, to be exact. I worried about everything. That was just up through college - that doesn't even include worries about my personal life...

But that's one thing that I think I've done pretty well at so far in this adventure... really discovering what God's purpose is for me (even though He told me that I would do great things for Him), having Him present you with the opportunity, give you the knowledge to make it happen, and then continually, every day, show you that He is in absolute control. I don't know why I still am amazed at when I add up the deposits and the payroll subtractions that we come out ahead - not negative as I had thought would be the case, but actually with dollars to spare.

God is so amazing. In my weakness as a human, I fail to acknowledge that even though on the outside I try not to show the appearance that I'm worried - because really, I'm not - somedays, the little wiggles of doubt creep into my mind and I panic, and freak out and wonder will we make it this month. I absolutely LOVE IT when God drops a bomb in my lap - like, come on Brooke, why did you ever doubt me? And I can't say that I have doubted Him... because in reality, I know beyond a doubt that everything is going to turn out okay with Trinity. Its going to be better than "okay" because this is a God-venture. It isn't something that I, Brooke Bowden, thought of and created all on my own. God put it into my head, He gave me the vision.

I'm just the vessel to do His work.

January is going to be tight. But once again this teeny tiny school lives on to fight the battle for Christ another day. I pray that I never stop growing amazed at what He does in the life of this school.

Monday, January 3, 2011

It seems like I've blinked and missed the last half of 2010... seriously. From about July on I feel like it flew by. It makes me think about this time last year - the start of 2010... who knew it would be such an important year for me? After being sick for almost 8 months, having everything from allergic reactions & random breakouts (thanks a bunch skin cells) to the most insane back pain I've ever felt, resulting in "degenerative facets in my lower lumbar region" and sick for New Years, I thought... man.... this year better be good after the start of it!

So lets recap, shall we?
In 2010 I....
- decided to leave Veritas
- was approached with the idea to homeschool two students
- formally quit my job
- diagnosed with degenerative facets in my lower lumbar region of my back
- told my students (harder than you'd imagine)
- learned more about Homeschool laws in Alabama than any person need know
- decided to go in a different direction than a homeschool and founded The Trinity Schooll, Inc.
- was fired from Crawford Road Christian School as their administrator
- in August, founded and opened The Trinity School
- learned more about being an Administrator
- discovered I actually liked being the Administrator (who knew!)
- met my exception
- turned 29
- Auburn went undefeated and will compete for the National Championship

There's so much more to 2010 than I can possibly list. I know that I grew closer to God in the past 10 months than I ever have. I compare leaving Veritas to coming to the edge of a cliff, not being able to see the bottom, and God saying "Brooke, my daughter, if you have faith in Me... jump." Thats about the best analogy I've got for what took place between February and June. A leap. And a lesson in faith, stepping out in faith, believing in God's plan, knowing that He is in control, learning how to let go of the worries and the struggles and put everything in Him... home, life, relationships, finances, professional careers, and beyond...

I can't even begin to believe that Trinity's first year is halfway overwith. What a learning year it has been! God has moved in such a mighty way, and I know He has already come before me to show the way and clear the path so that I may do mighty and wonderful things in His name. I am merely the vessel to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ through the students of Trinity and eventually to the world.

I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Thanksgiving, Iron Bowl & a deb party

I have not "blogged" in some time... I suspect that is because most of the time I feel as if my head and my body are not connected and that I am barely treading water. But that's okay, because I am strengthened and blessed by my career, so much that its not a "career" but more of a lovely journey that I get to be in on every day.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. It's one of my favorite holidays (Christmas is my favorite, by the way) but most especially this year I feel so grateful for those in my life... the parents who entrust me with their children, the people in my life who make everything worthwhile, my incredible, wonderful boyfriend who spent most of the week helping me get my house clean, organized, and everything fixed (two toilets & an overhead light that I couldn't reach!). I feel especially thankful for Charlie, because I waited so long for God to send me the right one... I'm so glad that God gave me the strength to be patient and wait, because the gift was so much better than I ever imagined.

We had a parentless Thanksgiving with my sisters, brothers, and cousins ~ the Bowdens and Mixons met at my house and fiested on lasagna, salad, and dessert. Thanksgiving was, of course, on Thursday, and Charlie and I drove out to his house in Five Points to have Thanksgiving with his family. I watched and pushed the nephews & Jerry on the swings while they played horseshoes. We ate and then Charlie & Lee took the boys outside to play a little backyard football game, which was hilarious in and of itself. We drove back to Phenix City to my family's Thanksgiving, arriving late of course, and being too stuffed from Charlie's family to really eat much of anything (never fear; I had my share of fried corn & ham despite my full stomach).

Friday was Thanksgiving with the Nolan/Bowden clan. I always enjoy seeing my dad's family. There's just something about them that is so warm and loving... we have a truly special family. They welcomed Charlie, as I knew they would, and I got to hold all three babies (Jenny's twin girls & Bo's daughter, Isabelle) which made my mother jealous of course...

Then it was Iron Bowl time!! My favorite gameday of all. The Iron Bowl this year was played in Tuscaloosa, and I was thrilled to get to watch the game with my dad, brother Brady, & Charlie, while Rebecca, Kelsey, Chelsea, Blake, Brad and about 30 of Blake and Brad's friends from Athens were banished to the upstairs. Auburn made me a little nervous the first half, but I never doubted their ability to pull off the largest comeback in the history of the Iron Bowl, which only made it a sweeter victory.

After the Iron Bowl was my sister's deb party at the RiverMill. It was such fun!! The band was great and the food... just right... no fancy smansy food for us, just chicken tacos, cheese dip, etc. Mom & the rest of the deb mothers did a great job on the decorations. The theme was Cirque de Solie so there were plenty of bright colors and an acrobatic artist who performed during dinner.

Matt, Rebecca, Chelsea & Kelsey at the party
Brad & Blake show off their moves at the party
aren't we cute?? me & Charlie at the deb party
one of the table decorations from the party

We all had such a great time & are looking forward to the Cotillion Ball later this month. I guess that's about all... can't believe its already December! Man! Hard to believe that its almost 2011... time flies!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I'm a worry-wart. I worry about everything, all the time. Usually, it keeps me up at night because I can't shut off my brain because I'm worrying about everything - from how to keep Trinity running, to getting more students, to if I'm being the best teacher I can be, to individual worries about each of my students... I'm so guilty of worrying that I've really tried NOT to be that way.

This is what I've learned so far about *not* worrying...
1) You can't worry about things beyond your control. As long as you are doing what God wants you to do, and continuing to follow His plan for your life, He will take care of you. He always fulfils his promises.
2) As long as I am being the best possible Christian I can, to lead by example, God rains down his blessings upon me, and the things I am involved with.

Case in point: we have to pay these things called quarterly taxes to the federal government... something I did not realize when I sat down to look at my budget and what all I could afford to pay these wonderful teachers I have. So we had this amazing night of Gospel music, and the love offering that was taken was EXACTLY THE AMOUNT we needed to pay our quarterly taxes. Tell me God doesn't have His hand on Trinity...

Another case in point: We desperately need more students. My goal for 2011-2012 is to have at least 18... 25 would be amazing... I've been praying for God to bring us students. He knows that we need that extra tuition money every month, even this year. So what does He do? He brings me a phone call this morning from a potential parent-student transfer.

Why do I worry about silly things when I KNOW that God will take care of me & the ministry of Trinity School?

Friday, October 1, 2010

Washed in the Rain

Last Sunday I was washed in the rain.

I was leaving Sunnys restaurant in Valley with Charlie, after Sunday church services, when, upon leaving, discovered the torrential downpour that was pouring from the skies. I wasn't suprised, after all that morning we had sang "Let it Rain" and it appeared that God had heard our cries for rain. It had been two months since the last rain we had, and personally, as a sufferer of allergies, I was more than glad to see the rain pouring down.

So anyway, Charlie and I were leaving Sunny's. He looked at me and said that he would go bring the truck around so I wouldn't have to get wet. Then I was reminded of the following story:

"A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red-haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain."

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing."

----
And so instead of waiting for Charlie to bring the truck around, I looked at him and said "lets just run through it." He looked at me as if I had lost my mind, which, I'm sure to the people around me, it certainly looked as if I had. Afterall, I wasn't dressed to run in the rain - but I pulled off my flats, rolled up my jeans, grabbed Charlie's hand and ran, laughing, all the way to the truck.

I guess I just felt like I needed washing that day.

When was the last time you ran through the rain?

(story taken from http://www.glowandshinedesign.com/inspirational_stories5.html)