A couple weeks ago my friend and fellow blogger, Allison A, posted a blog all about self love. She brought up the frustratingly common tendency we have as a population, especially as women, to not only talk down about ourselves, but to make a point not to brag about ourselves. To counter this, she asked some friends to purposefully list things they love about themselves, both to inspire self-confidence in them and empower other women (and men!) to do the same. Enter me, stage right, LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
So, in the spirit of that blog, I come to you today with a my own. But instead of asking a handful of friends, I decided to ask my mom and three aunts, four women I have long considered role models. Over the years, I’ve seen them turn a blind eye to compliments, always deflecting, always putting others first, and I wanted this to be a way that they could finally sit down and realize how wonderful they are.
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My Aunt Jacque
(She’s the lovely lady on the left)
I love that family will always come first for me, no matter what the circumstances.
I love that I have two long term polar opposite friends, in personality, that round out parts of my personality.
I love that I have planned my financial life, so that God willing, I will always feel “secure”
I love that my very favorite thing to do is laugh.
I love that I recently realized that I don’t have to be busy all of the time. That I have earned some quiet time
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My Aunt Candee
I love that I have made a difference in the lives of so many children. (She’s been a kindergarten teacher for 19 years!)
I love that I have a responsibility gene, gifted to me by Mary Poppins, AKA grandma…. I always give my all at work and in life in general.
I love that I am a loyal friend and confidant.
I love that I genuinely and passionately love and care about my family and would do anything for them at a moment’s notice.
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My Aunt Tracy
I love that I belong to a fantastic family and that I am an essential part of making it fantastic! (Both my immediate family and extended family)
I love that I can get ready to go just about anywhere in a short period of time. Doesn’t matter if I just rolled out of bed and we are going out to breakfast….or if we have a big event to go to and we get home from a volleyball tournament with 30 minutes prep time. I can quickly pull myself together and it doesn’t take forever!
I love that I have created so many family scrapbooks (and I am sad that I haven’t continued!). We can be sitting at home on a Friday night and one of the kids will grab a book and we can all look through it and remember the days.
I love that I am able to maintain long distance/long duration friendships and that we can get together and pick up right where we left off.
I love that at the ripe old age of 53, I still play beach volleyball two days a week….although I am hurt right now…but I plan to be back out there soon!
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My Mom, Gina
I love that I am patient, looking for the good instead of the negative.
I love my stubborn streak.
I love that I don’t mind being alone at times, not needy for constant motion or activity.
And I love that I can be forgiving of people and past experiences.
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And finally, me!
(That’s me on the right, alongside my mom and sister.)
I love that I’m creative, and have become brave enough over the years to fully express that.
I love my sense of humor and constant curiosity.
I love that when I put my mind to something, I can truly accomplish anything. (Like run 1000 miles in one year and hike Mt. Whitney)
I love that when I get to know someone, I fully dive in and look for even the littlest quirks about them. I also love that in doing so I can often find ways to make them feel special or known.
I love that I’m constantly learning, willing to grow from mistakes, and that at the end of the day, I always try to find the positive.
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I have to say, not only was it not too hard to find things that I loved about myself when I sat down and thought about it, it was even easier after my aunts and my mom did it. (Not to mention reading Alison’s post, which started this whole movement.)
On that note, if, after reading this, you (anyone, man or woman!) are feeling inspired and empowered to make your own list, please do! And if you feel comfortable, please share! Sit down and have some “me” time and rather than criticize, compliment! Love. Own.
Let’s keep this wave going forever and ever.
Kimberlee K. 
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