- What is it feel like to be you? I mean, really…what does it feel like right now, in this very moment, to be you? Bill Murray has a very grounded and decidedly Buddhist response to this question in a short interview he did with On Being, my favorite blog and podcast. I tucked myself in early one night this past week and perused the various articles and podcasts on said blog that ranged from topics of mindfulness to poetry readings to the racial divide we have in our country. As always, I am always drawn to and moved by ideas, and moreover, the meaning behind all meaning. Inception, anyone? And well, I love Bill Murray, and by love I mean I freaking adore the guy. I think Andrew and I have made it a point to see all of his films and he always leaves me smiling. One of the lines in his poignant response, “I am. This is me now. Here I am, right now” made me pause for a good ten seconds and reread it over and over again. These mundane words sound so basic and blah yet they’re full of so much truth. There is one only you. Only one me. Only one life of ours we get to live. How beautiful is that? Questioning and pondering things swirling around this existential nature are what drive and excite me when I am feeling overwhelmed by my feelings, which in fact, happens all the time. I am a feeler (see the second bit on today’s show and tell). I think to keep safe on a ledge, so to speak, the little reminder that, “I am. This is me now. Here I am, right now,” is a wonderful gift I think we should all give to ourselves. This simple affirmation that we are unique and in that uniqueness there is worth, is a beautiful sentiment. By being able to center ourselves and deepen our own awareness of our existence is a truly powerful tool.
- Which brings me to my next point. I am an INFJ. What are you? Does it feel like I am speaking in code right now, or when you read those four letters do you eyes perk up because you know exactly what that means (and now you know all my secrets)??? I have always been interested in personalities and temperaments, but within the past year, I’ve found myself very drawn the idea of my way of being with regard to my Meyer’s Briggs profile. I have taken the test over twenty times, all different tests mind you, and have gotten the same results after each one. I took it back in college, and even in high school, and many times in the past five years just out of pure curiosity. I find the whole thing utterly fascinating! Anyhow, the link above that will take you to a test so you too can learn more about yourself. I think it can be immensely helpful to know a little more about the hows and whys we do what we do. Learning more about myself has definitly made me feel more secure and at home in being who I am.
- Are you a pumpkin spice coffee person? I know, I know…it’s not even coffee or something but…whatever. My mom is obsessed with this Midwestern blog and she just sent me a simple recipe for making your own pumpkin spice latte, something I think I am going to try this week! I am a lover of all types of coffee but when this season rolls around it’s almost a given that I will have at least half dozen pumpkiny drinks before Christmas. Just you watch.
- I’ve recently taught myself how to use my sewing machine (thanks You Tube!) and have made about ten pillow cases and a few odds and ends for Stella. I’ve hemmed about five pairs of pants and made a few patched for holes in the kid’s clothes. Nothing fancy at all, but I have high hopes to try the following this winter when we find ourselves trapped indoors and hours upon to dabble in this and that! These fold-up market totes which I think would make for lovely holiday gifts, this cross back apron for days at home when we are doing homeschool and making crafts, and this gathered skirt would be a favorite for both stella and myself. I am such a hands on learner so I am going to be taking sewing classes with a friend starting here in a few weeks.
- Have you listened to Brene Brown’s latest video about boundaries? I found it to be very eye opening. As someone who tends to people please, saying “no” does not come easy to me. I am that person who fills up the calendar sometimes just because that small but mighty two letter word is unfortunately much too cumbersome to say aloud. The way Brene links setting boundaries with empathy and compassion is really thought provoking as it has made me reflect on my own boundary setting and how I can really improve. I think there is a lot of wisdom in her reflections here, what do you think?
- And let’s talk DPS. Dead Poet’s Society. Andrew and I watched it for like the tenth time the other night and were just as mesmerized as we were the first time we watched it. I’m just going to leave my favorite quote from the film right here…
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, “O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless… of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?” Answer. That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” – John Keating from The Dead Poets Society
So much to think on! So much to ponder. I hope you enjoyed this round of Show & Tell and have the a beautiful start to you week. x Amanda
Click here to read Show & Tell | Round 1
Jessie - 1. Those words by Bill Murray! That totally hit home for me. Hearing his thoughts on comparing/competing and how the more we do that, the less we have our focus on being ourselves and how at the end of the day, there really is no one else to be but who we are. I just love him. His authenticity and humility and how he is a great example of someone who really has always remained true to himself and his uniqueness. It hit home and honestly, almost made me a bit teary. Maybe I’m about to get my period. Ha. But anyway…I needed that reminder. Love the quote you gave as well. Going to jot that one down where I can be reminded of it daily <3
2. I have always been an INFJ for as long as I've known (as you know), but decided to take the test again just to see if anything's changed over the years since I last took it. Nope. Still INFJ through and through, haha. I so agree that there is a big comfort in knowing things like this about ourselves…having an explanation for why we do some of the things we do or act they way we act. One of my favorite subjects in school was Psychology (well, second to English…and sometimes History…and Biology…#nerd). I just love learning about how we're made up and how we interact and what makes us tick. So fascinating.
3. Love me some pumpkin spice! I'm not a fanatic or anything and you won't find me pinning everything "PSL" on Pinterest, but I DO love when these holiday coffee beverages roll around, though I always opt for very little sweetener (typically not a sweetened coffee kinda gal). But something about running my errands at Target or taking a walk on a fall morning with a "PSL" (ha) in my hand puts me in the spirit. Mmm 🙂
4. Yay!! I love that you're learning to sew! It is so much fun and a skill that no one could ever regret having…and one to pass on to the little ones as well. My mother in law gifted me my first sewing machine as a wedding gift (specifically for me and not Fred, haha) when we were married 7+ years ago. When I was pregnant with Ben, I ordered a number of books and sat at our little oak dining table and taught myself everything I know and sewed 'til my heart was content. I started with market/yoga/wine totes, baby bibs and blankets, place mats and aprons…and gradually advanced to lined baby/toddler dresses with pleats and buttons down the back, nursing covers, etc. I sold probably close to 350-400 items both on Etsy and just to friends and family in Sweden. It was so much fun! After Ben was born, I started working from home doing the job I have now, so there was less time for sewing…and then we moved here and I left my sewing machine stored in our attic because I wouldn't be able to use it here with the european plug…but all that said, I am hoping to dive back into it eventually. Like I said…such a handy skill to have and so fun to say, "Hey, I made that!" 😉 Proud of you, friend!
4. Brene's words… "To assume the best about people is almost an inherently selfish act, because the life you change first is your own." Mind blowing. And her words on what compassion and empathy are…that we're all rooted in love, finding ways to communicate to others that they are not alone…ah. I just love her. And absolutely, I am right there with you on the people-pleasing. I've always been that way. Is that an INFJ thing too?? Boundaries are getting easier to set as I get older though. It's never to late to grow and learn new, healthier habits.
5.DPS. What do I say? One of the best movies ever made. Side note: we watched the Friends episode the other night with Robin Williams' cameo and Fred and I both paused and just thought what a sad thing it is that he's no longer with us. He was such a special actor and contributor and person in this world. Dead Poet's is an all time fave…
So fun chatting, mama. Love to you today!
Brianna Blacklock - *Perks up* INFP over here and mine has pretty much been the same since high school as well (how strangely fascinating is that?). I tested once as an INFJ in the heat of working on my MBA, but I didn’t quite believe it, so I took it again when things slowed down and I was back to my INFPself. 😉 Also, I love the bit about Bill Murray. I sent that quote to a friend after reading it here and I think it was precisely what she(and the rest of us) needed. Thank you for such thoughtful writing! I always look forward to your posts.
Mary - I’m not surprised you’re an INFJ, I am an INFP and have loved your blog because I connect with your idealism. I really like this new series of posts, BTW!
Mary
Hannah - My husband and I love Myers Briggs, I’m an INTJ and he’s an INFJ. 🙂 have you read about the cognitive functions? It’s super fascinating!
I love the show and tell idea!
admin - Hannah, my husband is an INTJ too! Funny! Since you mentioned it I am WAY into the cognitive functions. Thanks for sharing! x Amanda
Ashton - I love this series, Amanda! Finding out I was an INFJ literally changed my life. Sounds so dramatic, but there was so much confusion and deep thought over some of the “contradictions” in our personality type. It was really resolving to me. Also, I was tired of “predicting” things and getting “vibes” about people and situations and being looked at like I was nuts. Can you relate? 😉 Only to find out some time later I was spot on.
Also, I have never seen that movie! But now I really want to. Haha.
admin - Ashton, YES. I feel like I always feed off people’s vibes and it can be exhausting. I think that’s what I am such a homebody. Too much energy and noise is hard to cope with so I tend to just stick with my people! Love to you ma! x Amanda
Michelle - Just took the test and I am an INFJ also! Interesting…
Kathryn - Also an INFJ! I am not surprised you are! 🙂 DPS is the best movie ever and I think I will go watch it now! I love that it has Will from The Good Wife too, although of course DPS was and will always be his best role.
Sara - INFJ over here too. These are really fun …. I’m going to have to listen to that podcast! Sounds so good!
Sara
Andrea - “This is me now” I literally became overwhelmed and teared up listening to this. I needed to hear this today, thank you for sharing.
Kim - I am also an INFJ. It is so dead on. Recommended careers include counselor (I’m a school counselor), photographer (side job), and librarian (uhh dream job!!). Lol!
admin - Kim, yep! INFJ to a T! Glad to be a part of a quirky club 🙂 x Amanda
Carolyn - I love OnBeing! My favorites lately have been her interview with Gustavo Santaolalla on the power of music (in movies) and Elizabeth Gilbert – a lot deeper than Eat Pray Love. I could listen to both of those numerous times and continue to get something new out of them. I will go listen to the Bill Murray one now! Have you listener to the podcast series Invisibilia? I loved the one about the secret emotional life of clothes, and the one about flipping the script.
admin - Carolyn, the interview with Liz Gilbert is one of my all-time favorites. Her insight on creative living and fear just woke me the heck up! I have not listened to Invisibilia…sounds so intriguing. Wow! x Amanda
Lauren - I am loving these posts, and where your blog is going. It’s evolving beautifully. Thank you for sharing your thoughts <3
ahdra - INFJ here too. I so love your space here. It’s one of my favorite peaceful, happy places and never fails to inspire and uplift me. 🙂 Loved these thoughts and oh my goodness I love On Being. Another favorite place of respite. Have listened to it for years and especially loved it when my 2 were littler and I was home all day with them. Off to start the day with a PSL! Yummm. 😉
Show & Tell | Round 3 » Homesong - […] *For more inspiration and things to chew on from my Show and Tell Series, here is Round One and Round Two. […]
Erin - Have you watched Brene’ Browns Ted Talk on the Power of Vulnerability??? I did just last night because my therapist suggested it…. it’s so true and something I hadn’t really thought about… that when we are vulnerable we are on the edge of JOY, not necessarily catastrophe…. just a little nugget of knowledge that I was happy to have shared with me, so thought I’d share with you!