Women's Self-Appreciation Day

I've been pretty busy lately and haven't had time to do much of anything other than work on my business plan. But I was catching up on some blog surfing tonight, and came across this one and loved it so much that I had to blog about it. Katy over at No Big Dill had the brilliant idea to celebrate "National Women's Self-Appreciation Day." Okay, so I admit, and so does she, that it doesn't really exist...but Katy and I, along with many others believe that it should.

As women we spend so much of our lives caring for and loving those around us, that we tend to neglect appreciating ourselves. So, today we celebrate us. Take a few minutes and think about what you like about yourself. What are your talents and gifts? What do you do well? What do you feel are your greatest qualities?

I know. It sounds ridiculous. To say I am good at something would mean I am being boastful, right? Actually, I think it is the opposite...if you do it with the right heart. (I am a firm believer that it is the intention behind the actions/words that counts!!) I believe that as children of God, He has blessed each of us with special qualities that He intends for us to use for His glory. How can we use them for His glory if we aren't willing to recognize them?

Now, thinking about it with a humble but honest heart, give God thanks for your greatest qualities. Katy listed three. 1) she makes great quesedillas 2) she has excellent posture 3) she likes color. 

It took me quite a while to come up with something. Partly because I didn't want anyone to read it and think, that doesn't describe her at all! I can't believe she thinks she is good at that!! and partly because I was busy wishing I had good posture. But then I remembered that I am in control of my posture and that I am the one answering the question(I intentionally didn't ask what you all think of me) So, here goes, in no particular order, other than the first...it is the best and most important.

* I love that Jesus Christ saved me from my sins almost 11 years ago, and that through it all, He still owns my heart today. I love that even though I resisted for many years, I finally fell to my knees and humbly handed my life over to Him. I love any part of  me that allows Him to show through my everyday life.

* I love that I am such a compassionate person. I care very deeply for others and genuinely wish for them to do and be well. I almost always think of others first, and want to help them in any way.

* I love that I am not at all afraid to act goofy in front of people. I am not a clown or anything because I know when to be serious. I just love to laugh and have fun.  There are so many things in life that must be taken seriously, that I try to do the opposite with myself! Life is way too short to stress the small stuff. I am the crazy person skipping through the grocery store parking lot with my girls; reading books to them with dramatic interpretations; making silly faces, singing silly songs, and doing silly dances just to make them laugh :) Their laughter is pure bliss, innocence, wonderfully infectious, feels alive, sounds precious, and gives energy to me and I love that I think that. Don't even get me started on their smile!!

* I love that I have learned to sew and am actually getting pretty good at it. I also love that God has given me the courage to step out and use this talent as a sourse of income for my family.

* I love that God has been helping me become a more positive and less judgmental person. I try to find the good in every person and every situation. Always remembering that you never know what another person's life is like and you never know what they are going through makes this one pretty simple. I love that I am so aware of God's grace and goodness, that it is impossible to not treat others well.

* I love that I love being a mother so much. I love that I love every detail about it, even the difficult stuff, because that is all a part of it. I love that I love everyone else's children and babies so much. I love that when I look at a child, I see a part of the innocence that God intended us to have. I am always shocked when I see other people who don't feel the same appreciation for them, and I love that about myself.

* I love that I have learned to "put my big girl panties on" and do what has to be done, even when I don't want to, it is too difficult, I don't feel like it, or I don't think that I should have to.

* I love that I am not full of pride. I love that giving a heart-felt apology has never really been difficult for me. I love that when I have done something that wasn't exactly right, I get a knot in the pit of my stomach that refuses to go away until I correct things.

* I love that I consider my husband and my mother to be my closest friends. I love that I value their opinions on everything from clothing choices to major life decisions. I love that I have never, ever spent time with them and then wished that I hadn't.

* I love that even though I may not have traveled the path God intended for my life, I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a thing. I love where the path has finally led me. I love that I know that God has a plan and a purpose, and He been able to use my struggles to shape me into the person I am today. And I love that the person I am today is NOT the same person that I was yesterday and WON'T be the same tomorrow as today!

Okay, so now it is your turn. Leave a comment listing your favorite qualities on this blog or on this fb link. Don't hold back!! Even if you don't want to post, at least think about it for a while.

Love and prayers for you all!!