A-Z Challenge--Zealous

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Zealous

zeal·ous

  [zel-uhs] 

adjective

ardently active, devoted, or diligent; full of, characterized by, or due to zeal. Synonyms: enthusiastic,

eager, fervid, fervent, intense, passionate, warm. 

This pretty well sums up my personality traits.  I love being active, I am enthusiastic, intense, passionate, and warm.

I hope that you have enjoyed this month long trip through my persona.  I was challenged to examine myself and I am working on making a better me through this exercise.

A-Z Challenge--Youthful

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Youthful

I seldom act my age.  My kids tell me that sometimes I make them feel old.  My doctor says that I am biologically much younger than my years.  And personally I do feel much younger that people my own age.  As I consider this, I think a lot of it has to do with my outlook on life.  I don't take myself too seriously.  I try and enjoy the beauty around me every day--and living on the edge of the barrio sometimes I have to look hard. 

I wrote this poem about my neighborhood--how I look on it.

Saturday Afternoon

On a lazy afternoon
Sitting on the swing
Mariachi rhythms
Dance upon the breeze

Somewhere in the neighborhood
Voices call to kids
Young men polish beat up trucks
While the girls flirt with ease

Scents of roasting barbeque
Mingle with the call of doves
It’s evening in my barrio
Time for enjoying all of these.
©Marti Murphy

I realize that I am truly blessed to have this outlook on life.  And somebody please gag me if I ever start talking about all my surgeries or aches and pains.

A-Z Challenge--X? Wait for it!

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Wait for it, wait for it--what personality trait could I possible have that begins with and X?  All those games of scrabble finally pay off!!

Xenial

Adjective pronounced zeen ial

xenial 

1. Hospitable, especially to visiting strangers or foreigners.
2. Of the relation between a host and guest; friendly.

For a number of years, I served on the hospitality committee for a singles program held at our church.  I found that the best way to break the ice after the energetic singing, and inspirational devotional was to serve homemade cookies.  So every Monday after work, I would come home and make a couple of hundred cookies--probably 6 dozen of four different kinds.  I loved serving the cookies and getting to chat with many of the single people in our community.

It is always fun when it is my turn to host either art club or Bible study at my house.  I enjoy serving people and I'm sure that I receive much more enjoyment that my guests.

A-Z Challenge--Willingness

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Willingness

I enjoy helping.  It gives me joy to meet a need.  I am prepared to share what I can.  

Willingness is a beautiful thing. " It's an attitude and spirit of cooperation that should permeate our conversations. It's like a palm tree by the ocean that endures the greatest winds because it knows how to gracefully bend.” 

― Stephen Kendrick, The Love Dare

Willingness is a way to love.

A-Z Challenge--Versatile

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Versatile

Over the years I have learned how to do many things.  I ran a medical office, but could also clean the exam rooms.  I managed the company's finances but also taught my granddaughter how to count change.  I functioned in the business world but also spent time creating.  I hike mountain trails and Wal-Mart grocery isles. I cared for my children and took in troubled teens.  I learn to live alone after many years of marriage and be able to enjoy it.  I learned to roll with the punches.

I think that it is easy to get bogged down with situations, but when that tends to happen, I try exercise my versatility.

When life gives you lemons--make lemonade.

A-Z Challenge--Understanding

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Understanding

One of the benefits of having lived a life in which I have had both joys and sorrows, experienced life and death is that I understand how others feel and why they may act the way that they do.

I like this quote from Harry Truman--It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.

A-Z Challenge--Talented

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Talented

I am so blessed with the talents that God has given me.  Everyone of us has unique gifts, and as you may have guessed many of my talents are of a creative nature.

Dresses I made for my littlest great grand

Kachina quilt wall hanging

Felt penny rug--modern twist to classic design

Miniature quilt

But I also have some musical talent--during college, I toured the west with a gospel vocal group, I love to sing!

And I can bake cookies--probably not such an unusual talent, but I have been able to use it to make friends and bless people.

A-Z Challenge--Sensitive

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Sensitive

Without a doubt I am sensitive!  I cry watching sad movies, tears come when reading tender scenes in a book, or hearing touching stories about others.  Music with a lonely sound will make me weep.  I hate seeing children hurt and can't bear to see an animal in pain.

I also tend to wear my feelings on my sleeve, and often remind myself that a lot of what people say is not how I perceive it--so I tell myself to get a grip!

So I am seeking a balance for healthy sensitivity.

A-Z Challenge--Resilient

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Resilient

When I think of all the problems and situations that I have faced throughout my life and know that I am content now, I know that I am resilient.  

I have been knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome me and drain my resolve, I try and find a way to rise from the ashes. I think that some of the things that have helped me are a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback--a way to grow. Even after a misfortune, I am blessed with a good outlook.  

I think that resilient people are able to change course and push on.

A-Z Challenge--Quiet

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Quiet

I am a quiet person.  I am content to be by myself, without the radio or TV on.  I like to drive and sight see with no one else around.  I am comfortable with me.

For me quietness brings calmness.  I can enjoy the thoughts that float through my mind.  

As I hiked this trail in the Olympic National Forest, I came upon this spot.  In the background the distance sounds of a waterfall was all that was heard above the quiet forest sounds.  This quiet, peaceful spot that sang to my soul.

A-Z Challenge--Patience

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Patience

Patience--is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one can take before negativity. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.


I was encouraged when I studied the definition of patience.  Sometimes I feel annoyance or anger while waiting but since I do not act upon those feelings by definition I am patient.  I try and distract myself by reading or thinking of plans I am making, or recall past pleasant events.  Not only does this keep me in a better frame of mind, but it also makes the time pass quickly.  

A-Z Challenge--Optimistic

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Optimistic

I am no PollyAnna, but I do try and look on the brighter side of things.  I find that a good outlook keeps me calm and makes it easier to focus.  Those days when worry pounds on the door, I try and make a conscious effort to look for positive things, even if they are small.  

When I stop and look there is always something that makes me happy.

A-Z Challenge--Naive

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Naive

I hate to admit it, but I am still so naive.  I grew up in a different time (almost a different world).  I had two loving parents, an upbringing that was moral, and also isolated.  We lived on the side of a mountain near Yellowstone Park, and I was never exposed to the cruelty that so fills my world now.  I didn't know about drugs, didn't have a clue about sex, and though the best of everyone.


I have learned about stuff through the years, but still have to have a lot of things explained to me, and then I wish I didn't know.  I really am happy in my naivety.

A-Z Challenge--Meriful

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Merciful

Merciful--affected by the sufferings of others as to be disposed to alleviate them.  

I try and make life more comfortable for those around me.  I hate to see others suffer and if there is a way I can help, I will certainly try.  Often it is something small, like letting a mom with a crying baby go ahead of me in the grocery line, or donating time to work with the homeless.  I do this because, if someday I am in need, maybe someone would do the same for me.

A-Z Challenge--Logical

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Logical

I love logic. There is something about the precise, exact results that comfort me. Needless to say, math and science were some of my best courses in school.  But I also loved language, and as most can tell you English is a very illogical language.  

I find a certain tension in my life because I love logic, but also love to create and think beyond the expected.

Logic gives order to my life, while creative give spark to my existence.

A-Z Challenge--Kind

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Kind

Kindness is the nature of my soul.  I hate conflict, and am most happy when I can make someone else happy.  

I enjoyed an article by Marcia Sirota that spoke of the difference between kindness and being nice--"kindness emerges from someone who's confident, compassionate and comfortable with themselves. A kind person is loving and giving out of the goodness of their heart.

At the root of extreme niceness, however, are feelings of inadequacy and the need to get approval and validation from others. Overly-nice people try to please so that they can feel good about themselves.

Genuinely kind people are giving because it's in their nature to care, and since they have no ulterior motives, they aren't concerned with whether or not other people like them."

I want to strive for kindness.

A-Z Challenge--Just

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Just

Just: guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness; done according to principle.  Don't you ever wonder if it is worth sticking to your principles, to be guided by truth?  Often, when I try to do what is just, I am met with so much opposition--"Don't make waves!",  "Just go with the flow".  And I have to admit that I am tempted to give in, but when I do, I have a hard time living with myself. And back pedaling makes everything harder.  I have to ask for forgiveness, and then do what I should have done in the first place.  I do try to live a life guided by truth, a life that is just, but I often fall short.

A-Z Challenge-Indulgent

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Indulgent

Indulgent is one of those qualities that can look good but in fact can be bad.  When I indulge, I don't feel it so wrong, but to those looking on there is a different perception.

I am basically a generous person, but often do not set limits.  I will treat myself or family to more than what at times is good.  If one jelly bean is delicious, then a whole handful of them is that much better.

Indulgent is hard to know how to take. Is it okay to “indulge yourself” as so many spa advertisements suggest? Or is indulgent always associated with excess? Our values are being manipulated by commercialism. It is hard to know reasonable limits, let alone enforce them.

A-Z Challenge--Hard Working

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Hard working

I grew up in a home where everyone helped with the work.  We all had our chores.  Since I lived in the mountain wilderness of Wyoming, when it came time to go to high school, I had to leave home and get a job.  So at the age of 13, I became a nanny and was able to continue my education.  I always worked until I retired a couple of years ago.  I enjoyed working, always trying to excel at my job.

Graduation from Southwest Medical School--nursing program

But I have found the rewards of hard work not only in the business world, but at home, with my art, and even my family relationships.  I think that the amount of work that I put into any effort greatly increases the satisfaction of the job.

A-Z Challenge--Grateful

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Grateful

I try and think of things to be grateful for even in bad situations.  I am no PollyAnna, but that saying about silver linings is true if I just look.

I have faced health issues, but I am grateful for the excellent surgeons, and competent doctors that have helped to restore my health.

I am also grateful for my family, my home, and my church.  But most of all I am thankful to God.  I Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.