In my story, I talk about our “pendulums” inside us. Similar to a grandfather clock, where every tiny component is reliant on the swing of the pendulum. In the clock’s case, it’s essential to keep time accurately!

Well, I think that we humans have an invisible pendulum too. In our case, I believe, it controls the way we move and how we react to situations. My daughter, for example, has her father’s pendulum – she walks the same way as him, and she’s calm and pragmatic. Physically, she is his double!

I am less pragmatic than her, and not nearly as naturally calm as she is. So, for instance, if I’m getting anxious about what to cook for her and her partner – she’ll step in. She will use her calm and pragmatic attributes to sooth my less pristine versions.
She is the calm blue, I am the red raw.

Early on, I recognised which personality traits my daughter inherited from whom… and interestingly those she’s acquired from other family and close friends. She has a keen eye for something vintage, and this most certainly has come from her step-father’s influence.

When you think about yourself and the people who have influenced you, can you notice where you get certain attributes from? Does your zany humour come from your mother, or do you and your sibling laugh at exactly the same things?

It’s when you start consciously bringing these thoughts into the forefront of your mind that it’s particularly useful. Try to use your attributes to help others. For example, if your inner pendulum stays calm during an emergency, perhaps you could help someone during a time of crisis. Or maybe your sense of humour is similar to a friend’s and therefore you may be best equipped at cheering them up.
Try to notice more about the people around you, and how your personalities compliment each other, for a better connected community.