10 Good Things

A year ago in my Sociology class we were told to make a list of 10 good things about ourselves. I sat in class staring at my page. I didn't write anything down. I just couldn't think of anything good. My self esteem is fine I just didn't want to write anything shallow down like "funny" or "good at math" (even though I'm not). I wanted something with meaning. With Oomph. So, I have been working on it and this is my list:
[Note: Beside each number is a date. This is the date that I added this characteristic to my list. This can give you an idea as to how long it took me to compile my 10 things.]

1. I have a great love for Jesus Christ that gets stronger every day. This is something I have been working on for a long time and am proud to say that I have come this far. And even more proud to say I am going to go a lot farther. (Oct. 3)
2. I know who I am. I know the essence of me. What makes me tick. And, most importantly, I don't care what others think about me. I don't care if you think I dress badly. I don't care if you think I am a "goody goody." I don't care. (Oct. 3)
3. I am trying to better myself. I have been reading the Bible every day for the last 6 months. It feels really good and I have learned a lot. I have also cut some things out of my life. Things that never should have been there in the first place. Bye bye inappropriate movies, TV and music. It wasn't so nice knowing ya. (Oct. 3)
4. I remember all the little seemingly pointless things. The little random stories that everyone else seems to forget. When I am with friends I'll say "Hey do you remember when...." and they won't remember it at all. Now, I promise you that I am not making these stories up. They did happen. Apparently my memory likes to remember things like that. I am okay with this. (Oct. 4)
5. I am an optimist. I see the good in everything. I will admit sometimes it takes me a while but, in the end, I always see the good in something. I know that everything happens for a reason so you just have to be positive. If you are ever looking for the silver lining come ask me, maybe I can help you find it. (Oct. 16)
6. I am not easily stressed out. I don't usually freak out about stuff. If I have a big test or paper, I suck it up and study. I don't pull my hair out and run around the house freaking out. If I am ever stressed that is how you know it's REALLY bad. (Oct. 23)
7. I have a love and a passion for music. I've always got a song going through my head. And, if you play the right one, I will just starting singing along to a song I love even though I don't like singing in front of people. I just can't help myself. I also enjoy playing music. Yay for handbell nerds! (Nov. 5)
8. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are, for the most part. I know that I'm shy and sarcastic and a wimp. While those all may be on the more negative side of my personality, I know about them. It is better to live with my weaknesses and grow than be blind to them. (Nov. 10)
9. I write this blog. Maybe this one seems a bit odd to put in a '10 Good Things About Me' list. But it is something good about me. I know there are nay-sayers out there. I know there are some who don't like or appreciate my blog but know it exists/read it anyways, but I still believe this blog is a good thing. Some people get something from my blog. A sense of belonging. A sense of understanding. A smile. A frown. A lesson. Something they can relate to. Whatever it is people get out of my blog I have heard good things about it, so I will keep writing it until I feel there is no longer a need: for me or for the few readers I have. I don't only write this for me. I write it for you too. (Nov. 15)
10. I stand up for what I believe in. I have strong morals and opinions and I will not hide them. People think I am crazy for some of the things I do and don't do but I will stand up for myself. I will stand up for the things I believe in because they matter. I will stand up for the people I love because they matter. I will not hide myself or shy away because you disagree with what I believe, I will stand up, give you my reasons and stand firm. (Nov. 24)

Wow. I think that's a pretty good list. It took a long time. 52 days to be exact. It was hard, but it feels good. I do suggest that you sit down and do this. No matter where you may be in your life. Maybe it's at a high-point and this seems easy or maybe you're feeling kinda low like I have while writing this. I encourage everyone to dig deep and make a list. While you are making it you may feel kinda down because you can only think of a few things but when you are done you have 10 things to boost your mood everyday. 10 things to remind yourself of when you are feeling belittled. 10 good things that make you feel good.

Song of the Moment: I Am by qSarah.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12