Self Esteem

10 things I love about me.....

Seems to simple doesn't it? Come on, I dare you. Quickly. 10 things.....

This has been rattling around in my head since being presented with the challenge by a friend. Her daughter's therapist had tasked her with the assignment. Most of us, if given the assignment about any one of our friends or loved ones, could come up with more than ten. I can come up with ten things I *hate*  --yes, a strong word but applicable here I believe -- about myself in ten seconds flat, but things I love? I am still struggling as I sit down to write this!

"You, yourself, as much as anyone in the universe, deserve your love and affection." ~~ Buddha

And our first impulse when presented with a photo of ourselves, is to immediately identify everything about it that we do not like. You do not want to know what goes through my mind when I look at this most recent, and most likely only, photo taken of myself in the last few months. I was spending the day doing something I love with my daughter who is so special to me, yet when I see this photograph, I only see the negative physical things. 

What bothered me the most, when I read this challenge, was that I immediately thought of physical attributes. There is so much more to all of us than the shell in which we live.

So here goes -- my ten......

1. Going physical here since that seems to be the way humans roll.....I actually like my legs. They have always been long, and usually muscular. Years of marching band, bike riding and walking miles between school and friends' homes as a teenager set the stage. 

2. I also like my feet. No ugly big second toe, no callouses, not too veiny.....teehee.....

That is about all I could come up with physically. 

Now, the non-physical things. Problem is, it seems egotistical to *toot my own horn* so to speak. Why are we so afraid to be proud of who we are?

3. I happen to think I am pretty darn good at my job. I am lucky enough to have a career, not just a job.  It is a career that I enjoy, that challenges me, and one that I think helps me make some kind of difference in someone's life.

4. I like that I am curious. I love to learn knew things, hate an unanswered question, and love learning of knew things. 

5. I think it is pretty cool that I can cook. 

6. This just dawned on me -- I think it is pretty cool that I have reached a point in my life that I can think it is pretty cool that I can cook! Cooking was never even on my radar as a young adult. Wasn't I supposed to want more as a woman than standing in the kitchen?  I have learned that I enjoy it, and was curious enough to pretty much teach myself.

7. I think I am pretty generous. I help when I can, with what I can.  We are blessed beyond belief, and giving back, at least to me, is the best way I can think of to show my gratitude as well as make a difference. Little things like casseroles and baby hats, do make a difference. If I can make someone smile, it is a good day!

8.  I am helpful, kind and patient.  I stop to help people who can't reach the top shelf at the grocery store, answer questions when they think I work there, try to give directions if I see someone who looks lost -- I try to pay attention to those around me. I am pleasant to those around me in line. Remember to be patient if a cashier is taking longer than I think it should. Try to be respectful of other drivers. Hold doors, help with strollers, and pay it forward as much as I can.  

9. I can remember one time when Princess Textsalot was younger, she asked me if I always found something nice to say about everyone. I think I remember that she and the Dude were discussing something about a classmate who was a bit "difficult", and I was simply providing reasons behind his/her  behavior, and other things that were positive about him/her. There are only a few people on this earth with whom I struggle to find some positives!

Oh my gosh, I made it to ten!!

10. I happen to think I have grown into a pretty darn good wife. Sir Fartsalot even thinks so! (Or at least he knows better than to say otherwise!) 

All that being said....while I may have a hard time saying so out loud, and maybe I don't have to, I am a pretty interesting, fun, caring, and giving person. I have grown and matured in so many ways, especially in the last 15 years and most so in the last 5, grown to accept and love things about myself that I never would have been able to find valuable or see as an  asset in my younger years. There are days I would love to sit down across from the 18 year old me and have a tete a tete with that girl! But, you know, the process is probably half of the learning.

 I have goals for the future, love and feel content with the life I have made. I guess that is a good thing!