5 Things YOU Like About YOU
On Friday I was at the nail salon getting a manicure and pedicure in preparation for my Uncle’s wedding. Sitting at the manicure station behind me was an older woman, probably in her 70s, and I heard her talking to the manicurist and another salon client about how ugly her hands were (yes, those were her words). She continued to tell them she chooses bright nail color to distract people away from her hands and instead draw attention to her fingernails. I’m used to hearing these things from younger (mostly) women, but older women, too?
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of hearing people, including myself, speak so negatively. It saddens and maddens me. When did we become “not enough”? Whether it’s about weight, eating or exercise habits, jobs we have, relationships, or something else, I can’t remember the last time I heard a person say “I love my (fill in word here)!” Can you?
It’s time to shift our thinking. It’s challenging, and with practice it will get easier (just like any new activity!). Stop focusing on what you don’t like, and start noticing things you DO LIKE about YOU. Are you thinking this is selfish, arrogant or self-promotional? It’s not. It’s called self-love or self-nurturing. We need to hear these things and we deserve to hear them! So starting now, list 5 things YOU LIKE ABOUT YOU. Not what other people like about you, what you like about you. It can be physical features, activities you excel at, anything you like about you. Got more than 5? Great, write them all down! While it’s perfectly ok to share your list with friends or fellow bloggers, avoid comparing lists. Wishing your list was more like your friends will not help!
Share your list in the comments below (or keep them private). See if you can offer yourself one positive thought at the start of each day. Make it a habit and then notice any changes that occur for the rest of your day. We are all “enough”. We are all smart, beautiful, talented and spirited. Why not celebrate it!
I’m certainly not immune from this activity. Here is my list:
5 Things I like about me/I am good at
- My eyes
- My energy/passion for my work and the people in my life
- I’m a good cook
- I love that I dream big
- My curly hair
What’s on your list?
Great article. I too notice this at the hair salon I go to. I call it bad body fever and it is contagious! What also can be contagious is the love and appreciation we have for our bodies and all that they do for us on a daily basis.
Thanks for reminding all of us that we are not what we look like but who we are internally. A change in thinking can lead to a great, fun life full of self esteem and good friends.
Here is my list:
1. I love that I am witty
2. I am always thinking of the next big idea
3. I ski fast, drive fast and take chances
4. I care….alot…about others
5. I am passionate and make a difference
I couldn’t agree more, Stacey. Many people I work with can easily see and feel the negatives in themselves, and have problems finding what is good. This plays a role in poor self esteem, affects posture, and can in turn be a source of physical and emotional pain.
I recently finished reading A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle, which I recommend highly to anyone interested in further exploring this topic. He writes a lot about the ego and how the ego is the cause of all this suffering. If we can become aware of these thoughts and the ego coming into play, we will eventually be able to be happy with just being.
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My mother is always speaking in terms of self-deprecation, and over time, it has left a big dent in how people perceive her. I know she is smart and better at her job than anyone else in her office, but she doesn’t believe she could get a better job somewhere else.
For me, Five Things I like about myself:
1. My intelligence
2. My ability to write well
3. I am a good friend and highly dependable
4. My hips
5. My creativity and innovation
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Thank you for sharing your lists. I heard more of this again over the weekend and it really saddens me. We are all beautiful and capable of great things.