My Story: How My Strengths Helped Me Get Unstuck

There was a season in my life where I didn’t recognize myself. i was moving through perimenopause, and something deeper than physical change was happening. My energy had shifted, my sense of direction felt distant, and the fire I had always relied on to guide me felt like it had dimmed to almost nothing. I felt disconnected from my sense of purpose and passion in a way I had never experienced before.

I kept trying to think my way back into clarity, believing that if I could just figure it out, I would feel like myself again. That approach left me circling the same thoughts without any real movement.

What I didn’t see at the time is that something within me was already trying to lead.

Even in that space, I found myself researching, reading, and searching for ways to reconnect with who I was becoming. I was looking for answers on how to rediscover myself and find a sense of joy again. I didn’t realize it then, though I can see it clearly now, that I was naturally leaning into my strength of Love of Learning. It was already guiding me forward, even before I had language for it.

That path led me to VIA Character Strengths.

I decided to take the free survey, not expecting much beyond curiosity. I thought it might give me a little insight into who I had become, though I had no idea how meaningful that moment would be.

When I saw my results, everything shifted.

It felt like someone had reflected back the parts of me that were still fully alive, even though I had lost sight of them. It wasn’t about becoming someone new. It was about recognizing what had always been there and understanding how to use it in a season where everything felt uncertain.

Two signature strengths stood out immediately: Hope and Love of Learning.

Hope reminded me that there was still a path forward, even if I couldn’t fully see it yet. It helped me reconnect with people and step back into community in a way that felt supportive rather than overwhelming. It gave me something steady to hold onto when my internal fire felt low.

Love of Learning helped me stay open. It allowed me to follow my curiosity instead of shutting down, and it led me into life coaching in a way that felt aligned and natural. I followed what felt true and let it unfold from there.

I started using my strengths on purpose—and that’s when things began to change.

My energy returned in a way that felt steady and real. My thinking became clearer. My sense of direction started to form again because I was moving in alignment with how I naturally operate.

What I understand now is that the fire never disappeared. It simply needed a different way to be fed.

If you’re in a season where your energy feels low or your direction feels unclear, pause and notice what is already pulling at your attention. There is meaning in what you’re drawn to, even if you don’t fully understand it yet. Your strengths are still there, and they are ready to support you when you choose to use them.

If you’re curious to discover your own character strengths, you can take the free VIA survey here:

https://TNPLS.pro.viasurvey.org/

There’s No Place Like Soul 🪴