I am guilty of being my own worst critic. I have long lists of negative statements playing out like a broken record in my head. I’m quick to pick out my own flaws and slow to even accept a compliment gracefully. I even hate that about myself. You see how it can be an unending cycle?
I love this Dr Seuss Quote about loving yourself:
While I know that becoming the person that I want to be is a life long journey, I often forget to look back and see how far I have already come. That’s why this week I’m going to focus on loving yourself and being grateful for who I am in the present. It feels really awkward to write a post like this, but thankfully I’m giving myself a little cheat by using the following prompts from a nectar collective post (and I’m making Jacob do this with me):
What about you? What are some things you appreciate about yourself? :)
Can’t believe It’s already week 4! You can see all my other gratitude posts by clicking on the banner:
I just love this, Esther! Especially the hike to Machu Pichu. Warren did that once and talks about it all the time. I am trying to muster my courage because it sounds SO HARD! But I love that, even though it was hard, you powered through and probably are really glad you did it. In hindsight :) Also, I am loving your blog and can’t wait to read more!
Thanks so much, Amy! If I could do it, I think you can do it! I was not in great shape when I was doing the hike, and I did not train nearly enough. It was an incredible experience, and once we were at Machu Picchu, we felt like we earned it. I don’t think I would have felt the same way if I took the train there / bus. You should do it! :D
Oh I love that you took the questions and made your own post!! This is so neat, Esther! :)
Thanks for the idea & for the questions! it definitely made writing about myself much easier. haha. :)
I think I can be my own worst critic too, I don’t know if it has to do with having perfectionist tendencies or what. But I always try to remind myself of that fact, so I don’t get too down. It’s great that you value being genuine and authentic–there are too many fake people in this world. Also, I love that you love your hair and nails best–I definitely spend way too much time on both.
haha yay for hair and nails! I do spend the most time on my hair and nails compared to anything else. :P I guess being a perfectionist can be good in certain ways.. like we don’t to compromise the integrity of what we do.. but for me, there are times that it def holds me back from going forward.
I am so happy that you are a part of this project, Esther! AHHH! I relate so much to everything you write and I definitely am learning so much more about accepting who I am and loving who I am. Like you, I can be a big perfectionist and very hard on myself and have to actively learn to practice grace and compassion with myself! And to just choose to see myself differently — and that maybe the things I perceive as flaws aren’t as much of flaws as I think they are — maybe it’s just my perspective. I’m who I am meant to be, as are you, but reminders like this really help! Thank you!
isn’t it funny how we have to constantly work at these things. even if we think we love and accept ourselves, we peel back another layer, and there’s always more! sometimes i hate that it has to be a journey.. haha but i guess that’s the only way it sticks. can’t ever be overnight.. can it? :P
Sigh. I too am my worst critic. I’m very hard on myself and I’m working on it. One thing I value about myself is that I’m reliable. I honestly don’t know how I forgive myself when I make a mistake. Maybe I remind myself that I’m not perfect and I’m human just like everyone else. I love my eyes and lips! Buying my first home was a big achievement for me even though I was scared to death about it. Having my own place was empowering!
being reliable is such a great quality in a friend. :) haha i hope i am. i struggle with the forgiveness part the most. i think that question was the hardest to answer out of the four, because i’m still working on it. i wonder why it’s so hard to accept that we’re just human.. we’re not perfect!