Give Love, Be Love

In response to Dancing Elephants Press prompt 21 of 52

Touting my best qualities and what makes me unique was a difficult prompt, but self-love and acceptance are critical to thriving in life. Each of us has a story. We are all part of an enormous tapestry, and each of us adds our talents and abilities. We have so much to learn from one another. I do not believe I am superior to anyone.

I am sad when people are so critical of themselves. It is a tradgedy that some people do not feel they are worthy of love. Love makes the world go round.

What Makes Me Special

Well, I do not consider myself special, although I have been told by friends and family I am. What people see is my love, acceptance, and compassion. My mom told me at a young age that my gift to the world was love. I do believe she was correct. I get along with most people. I see the best in people and accept them as they are and where they are.

I do not judge others. I do not believe it is my right. We are connected to all sentient beings and therefore need to accept others as they are. I am also quick to forgive.

Those are some of the qualities I am most proud of.

What Am I good At?

The first thing that comes to mind is cooking. When we enjoy something, it is easy to excel. My friends often say they could enjoy being vegetarian if I cooked for them daily. Cooking is therapeutic for me and a way to share some love with others.

I am also a good listener. I listen with the intent of understanding. Most people are not looking for advice but want to be heard and understood. I am often the friend that people come to when they are confused or upset.

I love yoga. Some say I am very good, but it is all relative. There are many yogi’s out there who are far more advanced than I. My only competition was the person I was the day before. My goal, both on and off my mat, is to show up each day and do my best with what I have. I am grateful for my practice, particularly the level of awareness it cultivates in my life.

I know I am a good mom. I can confidently say that because my children, as young adults, are outstanding people. They are responsible, kind, and loyal humans, and we remain close even from a distance.

It is far easier for me to think of things I do not love about myself, but here goes…

Ten Things I love About Myself

1. My acceptance of myself and others
2. My ability to not judge others
3. My forgiveness free from grudges
4. My ability to cook intuitively
5. My fingernails and ability to polish and shape them
6. My sense of adventure and love of travel
7. My yoga and meditation practice
8. My High level of emotional intelligence
9. My listening skills
10. My empathy

Ok in fairness to balance the good qualities I feel I must reveal my worst qualities as well. I am not as patient as I would like, I procrastinate (getting better though), I have terrible circulation, and I tend to isolate when under stress.

Lisa Precious / Smiley Blue had a lovely response to this prompt. I share her love of nature and animals as well as seeing the magic and wonder in the world. Thank you Lisa for being the wonderful woman it sounds like you are. It is great to get to know you better.

Final Thoughts

I accept and love who I am, yet I constantly strive to learn, grow, and improve. I do not mind aging because with age comes knowledge. I do, however, want to age gracefully. By that, I mean I want to maintain my physical health and balance. I want to stay mentally keen. And I want to enjoy each day to the best of my ability.

I appreciate you being on the journey of life with me. Thank you for taking the time to read and get to know me better. As Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles shared — her mom had her make this list from time to time and I believe that is such a loving lesson from a mom. I would like to invite you to participate in this challenge as well.

Thank you Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles for such a great prompt that took me out of my comfort zone. This is where I am able to stretch and grow.

Thank you to the editorial team at Dancing Elephants Press Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Dr. Gabriella Korosi, Dr. Preeti Singh, Sharing Randomly and DR Rawson - The Possibilist.