I'm Taking a Hiatus

I am taking a hiatus until October 2, 2015 or other further notice for academic reasons. I need to drop blogging for a while in order to keep my grades up, so stay patient until then. I am also running out of ideas, so the quality of my posts started to decline.

Notes and Things:

• I won't sign into my FlutistPride account at all on my hiatus. 
• This means I won't see comments, E-mails, or Google+ notifications. 
• Poke around on old posts on my blog and comment.
• I'm not taking a hiatus because I don't care about you. I just care about academics more and think it right to do so.
• My YouTube channel will not be active. 

Thank you for understanding.

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 3b: A Handy List of URLs

If you're new to the concept of the five temperaments, go here. Just so you know, the websites are mostly counseling sites. This post is a bit anachronistic as I should have provided information about the five temperaments before starting my series.

• http://www.dovechristiancounseling.com/Temperament.html
• http://fivetemperaments.weebly.com
• http://www.mindtweaks.com/wordpress/?p=883
• http://fortworthchristiancounseling.com/the-5-temperaments/
• http://www.utamilewski.com/five-temperaments/
• http://www.pastoral-counseling-center.org/history/history.htm
• http://www.finallyalive.com/what-is-my-temperament/

Copy and paste these into your browser to find out more about the five temperaments.

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 3a: Miscellaneous Observations and Discussion

• Most bloggers I have seen are melancholic. 
• Self-advocates tend to be more choleric than parents.
• Younger (overall age) bloggers display more temperament extremes than older bloggers.
• Children of parent bloggers mostly seem phlegmatic or sanguine.
• Melancholics tend to write longer, more in-depth posts and tend to write about their experiences and how these point to an issue.
• Color scheme and overall esthetic reflects the temperament of the blogger. Hidden symbolism about the user lurks in common motifs on the blog. 
• Expressing direct care for viewers is a common trait in bloggers regardless of their temperament.

Now that I have reached what may be the close of my series, I would like to hear what you thought of my series or if I should write about a certain topic that pertains to disability and the five temperaments and, thus, expand my series. If you want to do something like this, by all means, go ahead, but don't plagiarize my stuff. Disability and the five temperaments should be discussed more. I knew it was a long shot writing this series, but I knew I had to try.

Did you agree with what I said or disagree? Tell me in the comments. I like to hear from you.
Don't have time to gather the right words? Click the reactions at the bottom of every post. I check them regularly.

And Now, Discussion Questions

• Which temperament best fits you and why?
• Has someone ever tried to change your temperament? What were your thoughts on this?
• How would two people with the same experiences react differently due to their temperament?
• Do you see any temperament patterns in the disability community?
• Can temperament and disability intermingle? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Create your own!

If I get at least 10 comments from 10 different people by October 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM (0:00 for those of you who are on 24 hr time) on this post, I'll do a Part 4 featuring your comments. Keep in mind that I might edit or omit for brevity, clarity, or grammatical correctness. I will be on hiatus for academic reasons until further notice. 

From the other side of the screen, thank you for giving me a reason to blog. I took my short steps and breathed my deep breaths because of your willingness to give your time to my corner of the Internet when there are so many others. There are days when I am uncertain if I've tried hard enough to convince you of what I mean from the other side of the screen. I know I've not said this nearly enough, but: Thank you for reading.

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 2e: The Supine/Leukine

The supine is said to be a natural-born servant. Supines are task-motivated and, like the phlegmatic, like to please others. However, a supine's driving need is to be recognized for their tasks rather than to protect their energy reserves. Another term for supine, in this sense, is leukine. According to a supine, being a supine "feels like having tape over your mouth". This temperament is the most misunderstood of the five as it was discovered c. 1984-1994 rather than in ancient Greece.

How the Supine Deals
The supine expects others to "read their mind" and meet their needs accordingly. Failing to do so leads to resentment as hurt feelings. Supines enjoy the attention of others like the sanguine, but use tasks to garner attention rather than initiating interactions themselves. Expression difficulties leave supines unable to express their needs and doing so takes a great deal of courage. A supine uses clues to express their needs rather than outright expression; figuring out what a supine needs can be difficult. Being unable to perform a task can frustrate a supine, especially since supines tend to have difficulty in asking for help. As much as a supine would like to advocate for themselves, most need to learn how as expression does not come naturally to a supine.

A supine challenges boundaries subtly by performing demanding tasks, sometimes running themselves ragged in the process. Supines challenge ideas and concepts rather than people and do so, not to seek competition, but in order to fulfill their need for attention, interaction, and recognition. Failure to recognize a supine will lead to their--and your--detriment. Supines often need to be approached in order to voice their opinions. This temperament is often described as a "gentle spirit" as supines are often non-confrontational in their communication approaches. A supine will wait for others to come by and, eventually, follow their lead. Supines are also greatly affected by their environment; changing it can offer a welcome diversion in the event that a supine becomes overwhelmed. By changing their environment, supines cope with stress when they cannot directly express it.

What to Watch For
As for all other temperaments, but especially for the supine, behavior is communication. Supines communicate indirectly and subtly, oftentimes so subtly that their communication attempts go unnoticed. This leaves a supine bitter and resentful; this temperament lets anger slowly smolder rather than quickly exploding. A supine can appear introverted although s/he is extroverted, but has difficulty initiating. Simply ask if a supine appears to be avoiding a situation. They may just need your approval.

Supines are the most subject to abuse of all the temperaments. The term "supine" comes from a body position rather than a body humor; the supine position is an almost-universal sign of trust and/or vulnerability. A supine's natural vulnerability easily allows others to take advantage of them if they don't know how to defend themselves from this kind of situation. They don't have a phlegmatic's verbal defenses or lack of drive, but a supine can manipulate the system to improve their situation. Take care that a supine does not have to resort to manipulation to make sure their needs are met.

The Supine and Therapies
Supines are a therapist's dream due to their task-driven nature. A supine enjoys completing tasks, making them suited to task-related therapies. Supines thrive in one-on-one situations and also do well interacting in small groups. Expression therapies such as those that involve art or music benefit the supine greatly as it helps them to express their emotions without offense. If a supine does not like a therapy, they will most likely manipulate the therapist to get what they want or perform the tasks shoddily and with halfhearted effort. Therapy overload can tax a supine to the point where they cannot perform the tasks as well as they would like to and, since a supine has trouble communicating something like this, this temperament is prone to running themselves ragged from therapy overload.

Supines and Acquired Disability
A supine will most grieve their lost ability to perform tasks and will wait for others to support them rather than actively seeking. Supines distract themselves with tasks and communicate their grief indirectly. The under-the-radar nature of the supine makes them susceptible to "invisibility". A supine delights in involvement, but their insecurities and inhibitions may prevent them from fulfilling this need. Telling a supine to "get over" their grief phase does not bode well for a supine as they are sensitive grudge-holders like the melancholic, but do not have the expression skills of the melancholic. Once a supine can perform tasks and become involved, usually through an indirect form of advocacy, they are quick to adapt to their new life.

Supines and Assistance
Even when a supine needs assistance and wants to ask for it, sometimes they find that they cannot express that need. Saying "Well, why didn't you just ask?" to a supine is a slap to the face. A supine's lack of expression can leave many of their needs unmet and, thus, create unneeded resentment and frustration. Supines do not like to be left to their own devices. Even when a supine needs little support, the availability of support gives the supine peace of mind. Do not remove a supine from support without their consent.

"Do" for a Supine

• Listen to their needs. 
• Provide support.
• Offer alternative forms of communication.
• Give them what they need.
• Honor all communication attempts.
• Prompt them to volunteer information.
• Assign tasks that pertain to areas of strength/interest.
• Praise them for their efforts, for their achievements, and simply for being them.

"Don't" for a Supine

• Burden them with too much to do.
• Ignore their communication attempts.
• Assume they don't want to interact.
• Force words out of them.
• Abuse them. You will regret it. 
• Treat them like a slave.
• Allow them to be rendered powerless.

The Supine Disability Advocate

• Tends to non-confrontational methods like blogging and petitioning
• Does not actively promote their content or does so indirectly 
• Uses unsure, questioning language ("Maybe X is the way, or something?" rather than "X is the way")
• Motivated by follower demand
• May not broach certain topics unless a viewer asks about them
• Values feedback from others
• Follows PC rules unless told otherwise
• Often needs to be asked before providing suggestions
• Views themselves as a servant rather than a leader

Supine expression difficulties and inclination towards servitude create a vulnerable temperament. However, with the proper support, supines can learn to be strong. Supines thrive on performing tasks in order to be recognized. An alternative form of communication can make a world of difference for a supine as this temperament is known for inhibiting expression. The strengths of the supine are a gentle spirit and a desire to serve with weaknesses being lack of expression and internalized resentment (mostly as a result of failure to express themselves).

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 2d: The Phlegmatic

Phlegmatics are well-rounded, submissive people that hate to bother others or stir up conflict. They range from warmly attentive to sluggish and lazy; a phlegmatic tends to be passive-aggressive rather than active-aggressive. They request rather than demand and tend to blame themselves for anything that goes awry.

How a Phlegmatic Deals
A phlegmatic person's lack of drive becomes their own drive: to protect their low energy reserves. Phlegmatics like routine and resist change. This temperament tends to keep their mouth shut and does not take to advocacy readily. However, advocacy is critical in order for a phlegmatic to better protect their energy reserves. Generally, a phlegmatic is uncertain of themselves and tends to look to others for advice. A phlegmatic defers to pleasing others as they hate to burden others. They do what they can, not to lead which is more choleric, but to follow others and please them. A phlegmatic would rather be inactive than act wrongly, so they tend to fly under the radar. They tend to beat around the bush rather than plowing through it; obstacles make a phlegmatic halt and fumble.

What to Watch For
Because of the people-pleasing and submissive nature of this temperament, phlegmatics are especially susceptible to abuse and overwork. However, some protect themselves from overwork by using verbal or behavioral defenses. A phlegmatic might put on a "happy mask" to please their caregiver/parent if they are abused. However, unlike a sanguine, they will not readily doff it. It is harder to know if a phlegmatic is hurt as this temperament does not readily show emotions or communicate. It is crucial that a phlegmatic knows where to draw the line as to how they are treated. Phlegmatics, when given a mile, take an inch. It is rare that a phlegmatic will outright challenge authority, so take care not to believe accusations of belligerence right away, especially if they seem absurd or out-of-character.

The Phlegmatic and Therapies
The pliant nature of the phlegmatic pleases therapists as a phlegmatic likes to meet the standards of others. However, unlike a melancholic, a phlegmatic will not tax themselves with a goal that is too much work, which frustrates the therapist. A phlegmatic may not address concerns due to their wish not to be a bother. They tend to use verbal defenses and passively resist with halfhearted effort and shoddy work when they wish not to do something. Typical social skill therapies tend to reinforce submission, which a phlegmatic already has. A therapy that teaches one how to assert themselves is rare, but such will benefit a phlegmatic immensely. Take care that a phlegmatic does not have too many therapies to prevent them from overtiring.

Phlegmatics and Acquired Disability
A phlegmatic takes to an acquired disability just as badly, if not worse, than other temperaments, which is a misconception overlooked by many. They may "go invisible" due to their innate desire not to be a bother. If a phlegmatic experiences a grief period, they may neglect their personal appearance and lose interest in things they once enjoyed. This temperament is either quick to accept their new identity or harbors long-term guilt over their "mistake" thinking they will be a "burden". A phlegmatic may resist help not to be superior to others, but to not be a bother. Generally, a phlegmatic will either beat their self-esteem into the ground or raise it through helping others by doing what they can. This temperament resists change; the changes brought on by an acquired disability fluster and anger the phlegmatic. Letting go of internalized grief is important for a phlegmatic.

Phlegmatics and Assistance
A phlegmatic may be reluctant to accept assistance because they do not want to burden others with their needs. However, this temperament may accept assistance to protect their low energy reserves. Even so, they will work hard to please the people who assist them and form a friendship with them like the sanguine would. A phlegmatic is generally more accepting of devices than other temperaments as it is something else to prevent overexertion. The main problems a phlegmatic has with assistance are either over-reliance or refusing it entirely.

"Do" for a Phlegmatic

• Offer doable challenges. 
• Encourage goal-setting and goal-getting.
• Push them, but not too hard.
• Let them sleep. Sleep is especially crucial to the phlegmatic.
• Provide structure.
• Teach a phlegmatic how to let go.
• Be supportive.

"Don't" for a Phlegmatic

• Set standards too high.
• Overload a phlegmatic with activities.
• Dismiss their concerns.
• Do everything for them.
• Be aggressive.
• Try to change their temperament. (This goes for all temperaments.)
• Tell them to have more drive.

The Phlegmatic Disability Advocate

• Tends to follow typical PC rules
• Goes out of their way to not to offend others
• Says "Maybe X is the way, or something?" rather than "X is the way."
• Does not like to discuss controversial topics, sometimes skirting them entirely
• Is especially distressed by accounts of abuse
• Non-confrontational, welcoming approach to advocacy
• Less likely to take initiative
• Requests rather than demands 
• Welcoming to all kinds, not just people with similar experiences
• Assumes a "follower" role rather than a "leader" role

Phlegmatics are meek, submissive, low-key people and, thus, have difficulty with advocacy. However, once a phlegmatic learns how to advocate, they become excellent advocates as their quiet iron will and diplomatic nature convey key points without offending others. Phlegmatics are the stable supporters of advocacy that dissolve conflict and ease newbies in. This temperament's strengths are a desire to please others and empathy with weakness being apathy and laziness. 

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 2c: The Sanguine

Sanguines are naturally social; they enjoy interacting with other people. They seek attention, not to establish superiority (which is more choleric), but to show how amazing they are. A sanguine tends to make many friends and has little social inhibition. Either endearing or annoying, the sanguine's disposition promotes interaction more than other temperaments.

How the Sanguine Deals
Sanguines love to make friends and interact with others and get bored easily when they don't. A sanguine will engage the people around them to make them laugh and smile. This temperament is forgiving and never in one state for long. In order to fulfill their driving need for interaction, they may "cover up" what they don't want others to see. Sanguines build massive, loosely-joined communities quickly and regenerate by talking to others. Frequently, people of this temperament use humor to lighten a heavy topic.

What to Watch For
Sanguines are expressive and boisterous. Unlike the melancholic, sanguines have quick, intense emotions that fade rapidly. The best thing to do in a sanguine's angry/sad states is to wait them out and listen. Do not reason with an angry sanguine. Rarely do sanguines hold grudges or stay in one state for long. The little alone time that a sanguine has is critical to their wellbeing. With that said, never force unwanted interaction on a sanguine. This temperament is known for blowing small things out of proportion; their emotions can swing like a pendulum, roil like a stormy sea, and then  be still as if there were no disturbances all in one minute. Exclusion is harder on a sanguine than it is on people of other temperaments because this deprives the sanguine of much-needed interaction.

The Sanguine and Therapies
This temperament takes well to interacting with therapists and benefits from support groups, music therapies, and activity-based therapies. Emotional support can help a sanguine manage their emotions, which more often than not fluctuate wildly with this temperament. Sanguines tend respond more to groups than one-on-one techniques, but individual attention is important to make a sanguine feel important and valued.

Sanguines and Acquired Disability
When a sanguine acquires a disability, they may go through a period of self-loathing and struggle with their self-image during a grief period. A sanguine may withdraw from social activity and take up obsessions about their appearance as this temperament has a need to look morally sound. Usually, the grief period is relatively short in duration for a sanguine. After that, they tend to rebound and go on with their lives as grief tends not to stick to sanguines as it does to other temperaments. Sanguines benefit from support groups to know that they are not alone. Though a sanguine may "look" happy, it does not always mean they are.

Sanguines and Assistance
Sanguines are glad to accept help from other people, but may not take well to assistive devices as the sanguine might feel assistive devices mar their image. Customization such as adding one's name to and choosing the color of their device can help a sanguine accept an assistive device as a part of them. A sanguine engages and befriends their assistants if they are kind and may feel conflicted if they are not.

What Benefits a Sanguine
As the most social of the five temperaments, the presence of others is critical to a sanguine's functioning. A sanguine left alone is a bored, frustrated, and resentful sanguine. This temperament thrives on attention and loves to flit from person to person, thus gaining many acquaintances. A sanguine is the person who will gladly explain themselves to others in most situations as it is the chance to make new friends. Sanguines do not like to turn away other people, so it is important to teach a sanguine about quality friendships versus quantity of friendships.

"Do for a Sanguine"

• Encourage them to make friends.
• Teach them to regulate their all-over-the-place emotions
• Give them opportunities to prove how amazing they are.
• Push a sanguine to try new things.
• Allow alone time. It is critical to their health to take breaks from social interaction.
• Sit back and watch when they have fun.

"Don't" for a Sanguine

• Force unwanted interaction on them.
• Repress their emotions.
• Hover if they care about this.
• Try to make them more phlegmatic or melancholic. 
• Let them run themselves ragged.
• Harm their self-image.

The Sanguine Disability Advocate

• Will stop to chat with someone who asks about them
• Creates a friendly atmosphere on their Internet profiles
• Likes to find other people with the same/similar experiences
• Tends to "talk to" their viewers
• Enthusiastically welcomes new commenters if they are bloggers
• Welcomes questions
• "Breaks the ice" when it comes to disability-related awkwardness

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 2b: The Melancholic

Melancholics are analysts and strategists. They are serious, conscientious people and tend to worry about minutia. A melancholic tends to verbalize their concerns rather than acting on them like a choleric would. Melancholics often have the intelligence, but lack the confidence, to advocate for themselves. Their ability to notice small things and self-sacrificial nature allows melancholics to work around problems that plague others.

How a Melancholic Deals
Melancholics generally keep to themselves and tend to internalize their feelings. A melancholic will usually turn to a creative field or thinking time to regulate their emotions. In their goals, a melancholic tends to spend considerable time analyzing the options and taking the route they see as best. Melancholics tend to respond better to devices than the assistance of others as they generally wish not to be a bother to others. These people "move at their own pace" and do not take well to systems. The melancholic way of advocacy consists of using internalized minutia thoughts to address an issue or express an idea.

What to Watch For
In some programs, melancholics, especially those with intellectual disabilities, are pushed to look more sanguine for others' convenience. If you care about their wellbeing, steer clear of these programs. Suppressing one's natural temperament is exhausting and creates unneeded frustration. Take care that a melancholic has time to think. Melancholics especially benefit from time to do whatever they like, especially when they look like they "do nothing" during that time. Generally, melancholics have low self-esteem due to their high standards and tend to fall into depressive states when their standards are not met for an important goal. A melancholic will most likely voice their concerns

The Melancholic and Therapies
A melancholic may wish to change themselves to meet their own standards in behavior modification therapies; however, not being able to meet someone else's standards may drive their self-esteem further into the ground. Melancholics tend to respond well to small social groups and expressive therapies like art and music therapy. However, therapy overload drains a melancholic, especially physical therapies. Simply allowing a melancholic to do their own thing can serve as "therapy". Melancholics set high standards for themselves and tend to end up in a vicious cycle of trying to be "normal". Make sure a melancholic knows they can be content where they are, but still promote the pursuit of personal goals.

Melancholics and Acquired Disability
Most often, a melancholic will mourn the ability to meet their own standards when they acquire a disability. This is a turbulent time for melancholics as they wish to meet high standards regardless of any situation. A melancholic may suspect that others are lowering their standards due to their disability and, thus, lack contentment as melancholics are prone to doing. Melancholics will most likely retreat within themselves and become invisible. Some gradually grow more visible as they become more comfortable with themselves; others may never be content with their new brain/body. Since melancholics internalize what they hear, the people around them play an integral role in how a melancholic would cope with an acquired disability. The problem-solving nature of the melancholic allows them to achieve within the standards they set for themselves and work around any complications that occur.

Melancholics and Assistance
Either a melancholic will seek assistance to help them meet their standards or be reluctant to do so in order to maintain their high standards. Melancholics hold high standards for the people who assist them; they will discontinue receiving assistance if they cannot find someone that meets their standards. A melancholic may discredit achievements by attributing them to assistance or go out of their way describing how they didn't meet their goal. This temperament would rather provide than receive assistance, but will do so if it means they can provide more assistance.

"Do" for a Melancholic

• Accept them unconditionally.
• Empathize with their concerns. 
• Comfort them when they need it.
• Let them set their standards; they will most likely be adequate.
• Teach them about accepting mistakes.
• Provide a creative outlet such as a field related to the fine arts.
• Introduce a melancholic to other friends to let them know that they are not alone.
• Present an opportunity for a melancholic to assist you. 
• Criticize constructive and only when necessary.
• Give genuine praise.

"Don't" for a Melancholic

• Rub their unmet standards in their face.
• Set unattainable goals
• Demand perfection. Melancholics do this already. 
• Only like something due to pity.
• Criticize destructively or in excessive quantity. 
• Give backhanded "praise".

The Melancholic Disability Advocate

• Talks about minutia and ties them to certain ideas
• May complain of an issue in a whinging kind of way rather than demanding or putting down
• Inclined towards blogging to advocate
• Varied degrees of inclination to leadership roles
• Looks out for the wellbeing of others
• Empowers others and humbles themselves
• Sacrifices self for others
• Uses their talents and interests to defeat stereotypes 
• Frets about small matters
• Does not "forget" incidents in the same way others do
• Cautiously optimistic for others

Being diligent, logical, and self-sacrificing, melancholics are pessimistic idealists that see problems and have a desire to solve them. Melancholics give the contemplating conscience to advocacy and see two, three, or perhaps millions of sides to every account/story. This temperament's strengths are problem-solving and critical thinking with weaknesses being over-thinking (if there is such a thing to a melancholic) and holding grudges.

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 2a: The Choleric

The choleric temperament is powerful--and that is what a choleric seeks to be. Words like hotheaded, impatient, brash, and forthright describe a choleric. A choleric insists that "this is the way" and is willing to assert themselves in any manner. Oftentimes, the cholerics are the ones that display active resistance towards something they do not want to do, much to (person in authority)'s annoyance.

How Cholerics Deal

Dependence on other people or a device, especially after a period of no need for these things, frustrates the choleric; generally, a choleric will seek "independence" from devices and people. A desire for leadership allows the choleric to learn advocacy fairly quickly, but they need to be careful not to be too brash in their approach. Taking the lead in nonprofits and jumping to take initiative on an issue fulfills the choleric's need for authority. A choleric is either quick to assert their needs and will make sure they are met or hides their needs for fear of being "weak". 

What to Watch For

Cholerics with communication difficulties are prone to violent meltdowns, especially when their driving needs are squelched with no ability to voice their concerns. Therapists find the choleric temperament difficult to deal with due to the resistant tendencies that come with a desire for authority; however, if a choleric sets their own goals, they will most likely be met. Robbing a choleric of their agency and independence is the most sure way to turn them against you as control is important to people of this temperament. Cholerics do not respond well to being forced into submission; they will resist if they find that this is the case.

The Choleric and Therapies
As control is a choleric's driving need, independence is especially important to this temperament. The choleric will assert their independence and may drive others away in order to keep it. A choleric might reject therapies to maintain their image or accept the therapies that will help them with their priorities. Take care that a choleric has some control over their goals; a choleric forced to undergo gait training when they do not desire to walk will resent the person who forced them to do it. Generally, cholerics take to change significantly better or significantly worse than other temperaments due to their independent drive and desire for authority. Behavior therapists are quick to recognize cholerics and "need" to eradicate this temperament; they tend to squelch the choleric in an effort to make them more phlegmatic. Naturally, such a thing frustrates a choleric; this temperament does not do well with behavior modification therapies. Cholerics benefit from regulation-based therapies and the provision of an outlet in which to channel pent-up frustration.

Cholerics and Acquired Disability
Acquired disability is difficult for a choleric to cope with. Since people with disabilities are often portrayed as submissive, a newly-disabled choleric will not take well to this image. If a choleric ever goes through a grief period, they will usually mourn their independence and be frustrated by dependence on a device or others (if such is the case). A choleric tends to find a way to work around their disability in order to regain control. Adjusting to life with a disability is an especially arduous journey for the choleric; however, cholerics are quick to "rebound" once they accept themselves.

Cholerics and Assistance
Even when they truly need it, cholerics are reluctant to ask for assistance, let alone receive it. Since maintaining independence is important for a choleric, they will try to do everything can in order to avoid dependence. This can lead to overexertion; take care that a choleric does not injure themselves in the quest for independence. A choleric will more likely ask for assistance if it helps them to reach a priority goal.

"Do" For a Choleric

• Allow them to lead and set their own goals.
• Minimize micromanagement. 
• Find people to lead.
• Encourage advocacy. 
• Give them an outlet to release pent-up frustration.
• Teach the importance of standing up for others.
• Build character strengths.
• Encourage seeking assistance.
• Offer options.

"Don't" For a Choleric

• Squelch or undermine their independence.
• Assist without asking.
• Encourage power-seeking above all else.
• Withhold doable responsibilities.
• Discourage seeking challenges.
• Restrict to one option.

The Choleric Disability Advocate

• Will ignore typical "PC" rules and be blunt in their points
• Tends to use identity-first language
• Addresses issues head-on with little to no allowance for exceptions
• Expresses their opinions strongly and is sometimes dogmatic
• Says "X is the way" rather than "Maybe we could do X?" 
• May call bloggers and petitioners "slacktivists" for "not doing anything"
• Is confident in what they say, sometimes to a fault
• Challenges opposition to establish authority
• Enjoys debating controversial issues

As born leaders, cholerics are impatient pragmatists that see their goals ahead of them. Cholerics are the dominant drivers that demand control of their situations. This temperament's strengths are advocacy and independence with weaknesses being impulsivity and tactlessness. 

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 1: The Introduction and Clearing Up Misconceptions

Disclaimer: Please see further-educated people (like doctors and counselors) for actual advice and treatment. I don't have my credentials yet, so don't sue me if something I say doesn't work. 

I have found that personality/temperament is overlooked in disability discussion. Personality classification systems such as the five temperament system are not meant to shove someone in a box/mold, but to create understanding like a diagnosis would. Personality affects the way that one would deal with their disability or (in the case of neurological disorders/mental illnesses) the differences in manifestation, even within the same subtype. 

ABA and other methods of behavioral training do not change temperament. While this training can send subconscious messages to act more like (this temperament), temperament does not change. Temperament is innate hardwiring, not brought on by environmental factors. For example, a choleric might fight and resist while a phlegmatic might cry, retreat within themselves, and wonder why they can't be "normal".

Associating certain temperaments and temperament blends with specific disabilities creates misconceptions that can lead to harmful stereotypes, misdiagnosis, or another underlying issue not being brought to light. The driving needs of certain temperaments might mask a disability; the converse of this statement is true. For example, an autistic sanguine might mimic social norms to fulfill their need for social interactions, but have trouble maintaining relationships for longer than the duration of a social event. Likewise, a melancholic temperament might mask the presence of ADHD. 

Meltdowns and medical issues are not to be taken into account when determining temperament. A supine that has violent meltdowns is not more choleric because of them; a choleric with chronic fatigue is not more phlegmatic due to their chronic fatigue.

I, a melancholic sanguine or a choleric supine with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD (inattentive type), will be writing this series on disability and the five temperaments. Let me know if I should write about something or if you have any questions by commenting below.

A Twice-Exceptional Perspective on "Differently-Abled"

I hate the term differently-abled. It implies the existence of having a different ability that enables me to compensate for my disabilities. This term, as a twice-exceptional person, is a slap to the face. No amount of verbal giftedness can compensate for my virtually nonexistent math skills. No amount of knowing French can mask my executive functioning deficits.

Well-meaning parents promote this term often, but they don't know the disservice they are doing to people like me. "Differently-abled" downplays the effects of my disabilities by using my giftedness as a mitigating factor. Giftedness can (sometimes) mask, but not eliminate the effects of a learning or behavioral disability; the converse of this statement is also true. It would be like lighting a faintly-scented vanilla candle and five strong-scented cinnamon candles in the same room. The vanilla candle is still there, but the cinnamon will most likely overpower the vanilla scent.

"I can't reason with numbers, so I translate them into words" is a statement that shows both sides of my thinking. Being able to translate numbers into words does not change the fact that I cannot reason with numbers; I just found a way to work around it. Critical thinking is another one of my strengths, so I can find ways to minimize the adverse effects of my disabilities. Nothing, however, can change the fact that I have them. A master fencer with a broken sword still has a broken sword; an amateur flutist with a professional flute is still an amateur.

Moreover, not having a compensating factor for a particular problem implies laziness or a lack of willpower with the use of "differently-abled". Some people cannot compensate for an issue no matter how hard they try or can, but do not do so, to preserve their health. I cannot have anything if I do not have whatever health I can muster. On more than one occasion, I ran myself ragged and got sick because I devoted energy that my immune system needed to function well to another task. I tire easily, so energy is a precious resource.

Saying "differently-abled" downplays everything I have ever been through to achieve what I have done. You may only see the smiling, attentive face in a class, but a smile can hide a myriad of things. Whenever I walk into a math classroom, I await a death sentence. You may not know I feel this way, but what you see is not what I feel. Remember that the term "differently-abled" harms people like me.     Assuming that I can be left to my own devices simply because my abilities are "different" will leave me struggling with my already low self-esteem.

I Hate Math

Math is the worst of the subjects I take,

Worse than pestilence, pox, or a plague.

Math is abhorrent, just torture and pain,

And, of all that I do, the bane. 

Numbers are not the language I speak;

I'd better know Portuguese, Swedish, or Greek.

My thought is not swift, my mind is not fleet.

Math is just an ache in my feet. 

I'd rather learn English to sharpen my skills

At using my words to voice my will. 

I'd sooner learn fencing, a soil to till.

It's better to learn defense than to kill. 

The worst day of practicing playing my flute

Surpasses my best day of doing square roots.

Many could say that my point is moot,

But, honestly I don't give a hoot.

(A/N: A short and humorous poem that describes my hatred of math and love for English)

My Comment Policy

By commenting here, you give me and others consent to reproduce, respond to, and analyze your comment in any way, shape, or form. This is not to say that I promote bullying as an acceptable means of retaliation to a hateful comment, but to clarify that the Internet is a public place.

You have the right to disagree with anything I say and engage in civilized debate. However, I require your opinion to be voiced with tact and decorum. A well-voiced disagreement is better than a "flaming" defense. If I have offended you, request that I apologize. Most likely, I will do so and take care that it does not happen again.

I reserve the right to delete comment that is harassing, defamatory, offensive, distasteful, uncivilized, profane, inappropriate, incoherent, "flaming", misleading, a personal attack to me, someone I know, or another commenter, or spam (including but not limited to unwanted commercial content and irrelevant, misleading, defunct, or virus-ridden links). Relevant, reputable links to appropriate content are welcome.

If I cannot read your comment or if I believe that it will cause my viewers unneeded frustration in trying to decipher your comment, I will delete it. I do not expect perfect punctuation, spelling, and/or grammar from anyone, but please make sure your comment is readable before publishing. If you speak English as a second language or have a disability that affects your writing, I will take this into consideration when reading. Any comment in MixEd cAPS, aLtErNaTiNg CaPs, 1337sp34k, or a comment that does not contain a discernible sequence of words will be deleted. NO EXCEPTIONS!

I am a Christian and have the right to express and share my faith with others. A Christian is not a troll that claims to be morally superior to others; real Christians acknowledge their shortcomings and their need for a Savior. Trolling and claiming inherent superiority is not something Christ would have done. If a "Christian" is harassing you, I will personally take up your case and drive them away from you. You have the right to your faith as I have the right to mine; I will not threaten you with hell because it is your choice whether to accept Christ or not.

Advertising "miracle pills" or "the panacea" (doesn't have to be actual pills/medication) to cure someone's disability is spam. Whether the "cure" works to any degree or not, I prohibit advertising of this nature. Giving unsolicited medical advice gives more harm than help to people. I want my viewers to be safe; I do not want someone to die trying something they "saw on the Internet". Thank you for understanding.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Why I Blog Under a Pseudonym

Dear Audience,

I blog under a pseudonym primarily for privacy-related concerns. A pseudonym does not make me any less "real"; it gives me an identity without allowing Internet predators find me. It does not make me a troll; I have seen many trolls use their real names despite the fact that trolls generally go by a pseudonym. 

I seem out of place among fellow disability bloggers due to my use of a pseudonym; one could call me the Deez Nuts* of the this blogger community. My use of a pseudonym is also meant to keep you wondering about me: Who is this "FlutistPride" and why does she choose this name? The mysterious Minecraft girl might have appeared on some of your blog posts. I assure you that I am indeed a real person and everything about who I say I am is true. 

For those of you who don't know, I show my face and overall physique on my YouTube channel. Most of the flute videos are from two years ago, so I may have changed since then. Other than that, I tend not to disclose much information about myself.

In short, my pseudonym is not intended be an excuse for trolling. It is a means of protecting myself while still maintaining some kind of identity. I do not claim to be another person, so it is not impersonation. The rainbow-haired Minecraft girl is not an accurate representation of me physically, but she is more tied to my identity than my physical appearance. Call me unauthentic. Call me stupid. Call me a coward, but I will still continue to advocate and educate under the pseudonym which I have chosen.

With Pride,

FlutistPride

P.S.

A Note about Impostors

FlutistPride is to be written with no spaces and with a capital F and a capital P. Writing my name as flutist pride, Flutist Pride, flutistpride, fLuTiStPrIdE, or anything else that deviates from the way that it appears as my identity is incorrect. 

Sometimes, I comment under the name "Anna". "Anna" is not an impostor, but anyone else who claims to be me is. If a comment under my name is completely out of character for me, then it is most likely an impostor who stole my information to write it. Do not click links that impostors post because they are most likely dubious, virus-ridden cesspools under a misleading guise.

Reading my comments on other posts will give you a general idea of my character. If someone under the name "FlutistPride" or "Anna" who claims my content as their own is harassing you, let me know.   I care about the safety of my viewers and want my blog to be trustworthy. I will not ask for personal information beyond your E-mail address or general region in the world. Report impostors before they get out of hand. 

*Disclaimer: I am not Brady Olson, nor do I claim to be this person, intend to represent Olson in any way, or have any identity under "Deez Nuts".