What does INFP mean?

I took the Humanmetrics Jung Typology Test today. Apparently I am an INFP. My score so to speak was:
Introvert 69% iNtuitive 16% Feeling 69% Perceiving 44%

I have heard of it before but I don't remember taking it before. I read what it means to be an INFP. I could relate to the description. I am curious now what the rest of my family and friends would score.

If you have taken the test, please put your results in a comment below. I would also really love to know if this test has had any impact on your life?  For instance has it helped you find a better career path or relationship? Tell me all about it!

Lots of love,

Johanna

If you are reading this, hi Mom!

My mom mentioned reading my blog the other day. I was pretty surprised. I wasn't sure my mom knew what a blog was or even how to find one, let alone find my blog.

Don't get me wrong, my momma is actually pretty smart. She took distance learning classes to learn how to build her home. Then she built it. I know she is able to do anything she puts her mind to. She usually tends to focus on life outside of the internet though (to my limited knowledge).

I figured if my mom wants to read my blog, I would start it up again. My mom used to always ask me to write her a letter. I think I get my love of actual letters and postcards from her. So mom, consider this my letter to you.

I know you wonder how I am, I am doing alright. Actually I am doing pretty good. I am not sure if I told you but I will become full-time at my job in January. I really love my job and the people I work with. Going full-time is a good thing. I won't worry about being able to pay my bills anymore.

I am not rich but I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a way to get around town. I am doing ok. I hope you can come to visit me. I think you would like it here. Well maybe not in the rainy season but the rest of the year for sure.

I would love to hear how you are doing too. I hope you are ok. I know losing Curt was hard for you. I worry about you but I know you are one of the strongest women I know. I am here for you so call anytime. Mostly mom, know that I love you. I will write you again soon.

Love,

Johanna

Johanna Starting Over 1/16/17

Past but not forgotten.

From the very moment I first heard your voice, I knew you were someone I wanted in my life. A short time later we actually met in person. I felt so at ease and safe with you that I invited you in.

My world had become so isolated and painful. I struggled daily to just survive and exist. I believed my life was near its end. You reminded me that I was very much alive. We spent hours talking, laughing and hanging out.

You saved me. You returned color and warmth to my life. I started living again. I will always cherish the time we had together. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that place, back to the beginning. I do not know if I would do anything differently. I would probably just be glad to see you again. I miss you. 

I just exploded a pot of scarves and wool.. not a good day

Lately, I have felt the desire (finally) to dye a few things. I dyed some yarn up for a friend. I was so excited and happy to see it. The color is perfect, at least, I am pretty sure. I didn't even realize there was anything wrong until I was hanging the yarn to dry. It is a silk/merino mix, really quite lovely to work with.

I don't know what I did wrong. The yarn is only that beautiful color on the outside of the skeins. The inside is matted together. I mean its still totally usable but its not up to par. That was a real disappointment. I was trying to reskein it to see if I could recover it somehow when I heard a loud pop and bang.

I rushed to the kitchen to see a that I was trying to set some scarves and wool in had over heated. The pressure from the boiling shot the lid off. I have turned off the burner and removed the pot to let it cool, but I just feel fricken devastated. It just won't go right, and I don't know how to change it. 

Dear Diary, My new goals and hopes in life

I thought if I set goals my life would just move back to something more manageable. The thing is I started with goals that were too big for me to achieve. That only made me feel worse when I couldn't do what I had set out to do. So I crashed again. I drank too much, cried too much, and in general, stopped taking care of myself. I got really depressed again. 

This morning was a bit better, though. I decided to start over with smaller goals. I got the idea after reading that book on meditation. It reinforced some stuff I had learned years ago, but I had forgotten. The mind does not care the size of the goal, task or achievement. It really only understands if you were able to do it or not. Every time you are able to accomplish something your brain rewards you. You can get more confidence, feel better, and change your outlook on life.

The best way to do this is to set micro-goals. These are little tiny goals you can accomplish. As you are able to reach your goals, remember to reward yourself even with a simple I did it. You can increase your goals as you go along to give you something more to accomplish. I decided to keep my goals as simple as possible.

Johanna's Goals:

• Complete 3 tasks a day
• I will reward myself when I complete each task. 
• I will start small & take pride in what I am able to accomplish.

Tasks I completed today:

1. I woke up and cooked food for myself and my roommates.
2. I took a shower and put on clean clothes.
3. I made myself a cup of tea.

It may not seem like it but just doing those things and telling myself, "I did this" was a small boost to my self. I feel like I can do complete 3 tasks a day. When I am doing this regularly I will increase my goals until I am back to a place I feel comfortable in. I actually accomplished a few more things, like this blog, but I felt better just having my 3 tasks completed and seeing them in writing. 

To all those who struggle, try something small for yourself. Set your own mini goals. Keep hope alive. Remember you are never truly alone. Someone out there is always feeling like you and someone always cares. I may not always succeed in Life. There is always tomorrow and the Hope it brings with it for a fresh new start. 

Hugs, 

Johanna

Meditation made easy!

Lately (or always it seems) my life has been stressful. I have been told more than once that I should meditate. When I was given the chance to review The Meditation Beginner's Bible by Tai Morello I took this as a sign. I was given a copy to read and then review honestly.

I enjoyed the book. I actually found myself using some of the techniques described in the book as I read. The chapters were easy to read and understand. I really liked how the information was broken down so simply. The benefits of meditation are presented in bullet form. Scientific studies were provided to give a more in-depth view of exactly how meditation works. 

Morello offers several methods of meditation. This is great for someone new to meditation as the options allow a person to choose the right method for themselves. I really felt like this book was written with love as it is clear the author truly wishes to make meditation accessible to everyone. The entire tone of the book is one of friendship and guidance to allow anyone to meditate. 

The only thing that did throw me off a bit was the title. At first I thought this book would be a guide on how to use the Bible as a meditation tool. The book is strictly a meditation book. I loved how myths were presented and busted. I loved the links to meditation tools. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in learning how to meditate to alleviate stress, anxiety, and pain.