Today is my birthday. years ago, a random stranger gave me some hit and run criticism about needing to "up" my self-esteem and people skills. He said I needed to write down 50 things I liked about myself. ( I then spent the next 30 minutes at the store thinking of all the things I liked about myself in relation to him--did I mention he was a checker at our local grocer who wears crazy hats a la six flags? I know this was not exactly a nice moment for me. Did I mention he told me he's a life coach as a precursor to his unsolicited advice? yeah.)
Maybe its just my hubris talking, but I think I have too much of one, and am amazing at the other, of the things he said I needed to boost, respectively. But I think there is something worthy of keeping a nice list of things about yourself. I know that I have never written one before (barring any memories I am missing from my formative years at girls camp, etc). So here's 28.
01. i am a good friend
02. i am a good sister
03. i am a good wife
04. i am a great mom
05. i enjoy my calling at church
06. i love to read
07. i am involved in my community
08. i am a champion of women and want to help empower
09. i like long walks
10. i like to cook
11. i enjoy having people over, especially for meals
12. i forgive
13. i am a good storyteller
14. i connect people
15. i am righteously indignant when necessary
16. i am honest
17. i am realistic
18. i dream
19. i am welcoming
20. i can sing and love to
21. i like to teach others
22. i like to sew
23. i plan
24. i am grateful
25. i take a nice picture
26. i like to give credit where credit is due
27. i pursue continual education
28. i am well-spoken
I intentionally left out appearance things. Not only are we more than just our outer frames, but I think when women list what they like about their bodies, it inevitably makes other women criticize themselves. I don't like that and don't want to have that effect. I'll just say that I am a positive realist about my body.
Now, HERE'S where this gets interesting:
A friend recently did a post of sending others handmade things. I have seen others do it also. I think I try to be in the closet about creating things if it isn't photography-- at least online. I'm not completely myself here in the niche I've created. I think part of it is that I don't want to be perceived as a jack of all trades and master of none. Because I think I am really good at doing large format portraits. And I don't want to be another person with a blog of every little thought.
But I do make things, and cook things, and try to beautify my life and have that enrich the lives of the people I love.
SO, dear reader. Leave me a comment about something you like about you. Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you if you're not sure I can. I'll pick five randomly and send you something worthwhile. You have the whole weekend. (ending monday 8am)
29 comments:
I like everything about me. Do I have to name just one thing? I like that I am positive and optimistic. I do like that. And I do like you!
mostly stopping by to say happy birthday, what a fun list. . . a giveaway is fun too!
Well, the best thing about you is that you are you and I'm so glad we are friends. One thing I love about you is your candor. I always know you are shooting straight with me. And you always say just the thing I need to hear. So there it is...
I'm sad I missed your birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! You are fabulous. My pillow talk last night was about how madly in love I am with f/8 and everyone in it.. MADLY.
I like the way I write... ya.
I like that I am determined. Remember that spot I spent forever getting out of your carpet freshman year. Determination comes in very handy for me.
Happy Birthday!! I miss you lots. I think what I like most about me is my ability to adapt. Things are always changing and the world is always moving and I love it. I am truly in my element in new situations and enjoy the changes life brings me.
I like that I am determined. Remember that spot I got out of your carpet freshman year. Good times!
I like that I'm a good judge of character and I know how to select quality friends and surround myself with people who uplift and inspire me. I'm kind to all but close to only a select few.
Can I add to your list first? You are an excellent judge of other people's musical abilities and able to execute creative ideas in that form. :)
The thing I would like to say I like about myself is that I am organized. I don't know what I would do without that. I am also sometimes scatter-brained at the same time, and I like that too. :)
I'm a great cook and I think I'm really compassionate.
Happy birthday! That's a great list of 28 things. (And so funny the story about the grocery checker.)
Something I like about myself . . . my positive spirit and sense of humor.
Enjoy your birthday!
I wanted to post something I like about you.. Okay 2 things... You are incredibly talented, and inspiring.
Okay something I like about me. I love to learn/figure out things.
Love this post!! You are so welcoming and outgoing and LOUD..just the way we latins like it! Happy Birthday!!!
Oh boy can you sing! You bring me to tears when you sing.
Happy Birthday!
I am great at making things with my hands, and I'm one of the few people my age that can cook =) That makes for some great trades in college!
I am my child's advocate. My son wouldn't be getting the help he needs if I wasn't willing to fight for it.
i like me. i haven't always had that confidence - but i do now. i like that i can bike to work, that i can work out in my garden and can make a mean loaf of bread :)
Does it count to say, "I like that I am your sister"? If not, then one thing I like about me is that I am able to step back from or away from myself and take on the perspectives of others.
Your list blows mine way out of the water. Wish I wasn't so scatter-brained lately to give you a quality list of all of the things I admire about you. You always know what to say though in every situation. You are just amazing like that. I really like that no one knows how silly and creative I am in my classroom and most adult people would be shocked if they spent a day in the life of one of my students. haha. Happy Birthday and love you! :)
i am a "just incase" packer and *knock on wood* that hasn't failed me (or the other people I travel with) yet!
Seriously, my list is endless;). I am a good teacher to my children.
Oh, that last comment was from Caren Winters~ not sure if it links to my blog or not as it is private.
happy birthday again! love your list.
as for me... I like that I am pretty even keeled. I take most things in stride and remain calm even in stressful situations. (most of the time)
i like that i'm good at cooking and baking :)
Happy happy birthday, Alisha! Great list. I like you too.
I like that I am loyal and love with my whole heart.
Adding to YOURS:
You are one of BEST visiting teaching companions I have ever had. You helped me learn why it is so important.
You are insanely smart, and because of this you are one of my most favorite people to talk with.
You saved me at the 90210 ward. And for that I will always be grateful. :)
and I want to enter in for the give away....
So, something that I like about myself:
I have a desire for the people I am around or with to fill comfortable. So I try my best to keep everyone engaged in the conversation or included in the activity.
happy birthday my friend. so glad you were born. :)
happy birthday!!
i am a good writer and better editor
I like that I'm willing to believe the best in/of people.
I like all of you :)
I don't personally know you but I love reading your blog and looking at your photographic work...it's beautiful. I am so glad you put things about yourself that are the inside you and not your physical appearance because I can't ever come up with anything I really like about myself physically lol. I will say that I think I am a great friend, I am always there for the people in my life and love doing it.
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