10 Things I Appreciate About Me

This article is a submission to Rick Henry Christopher's Self-Appreciation Challenge.

Acknowledging 10 things that I appreciate about myself and then writing them down was extremely uncomfortable for me... and lead directly to this first 'thing'. (Note that Things are arranged in no particular order.)

Thing One

I appreciate that once I've decided to do something I DO IT. Now I might quibble and dilly-dally and do other things instead for a while. I might whine about it, think about, close and open a tab several times; once I make up my mind by golly I do the thing. (As long as it isn't ironing. Ironing is by appointment only and ideally comes with at least a whispered promise of a sweaty romp at the end of the night.)

Thing Two

I appreciate that I can make spaghetti sauce the same way my grandmother did. (Even if I don't always do it and sometimes just doctor the heck out of a jarred sauce when I am in a hurry.) It's a complex sauce with at least three meats: browned cracked country ribs, one whole chicken, and amazeballs meatballs. Home canned tomatoes, unless San Marzano are available. Lots of garlic, oregano, the ever-mysterious bay leaves (just crushed enough to yield their flavor but still remain whole for easy removal). Romano cheese, fresh grated. And more simmer for hours.

Thing Three

I appreciate that I can sleep through almost everything. (Except the water softener- sometimes that thing just calls out to me in the night...) Hubby's alarm? Children coming home late? You want to shower two feet from my head? Have at it. zzzzzzzzzzz

Thing Four

I appreciate people with faith (those that believe despite any proof), so I must therefore state I appreciate that about myself. Somehow I've reached this point in my life where I've lost most religion but retained an abundance of faith. That feels like a good exchange to me.

Thing Five

I appreciate the way I question things. That was a hard quality for me to hone, at least to do so out loud, and I intend to keep it sharp from constant use.

Thing Six

I appreciate the certainty I have that Thing Four and Thing Five can and do exist in me at the same time. I know that with surety and serenity.

Thing Seven

I appreciate my ability to love. Although I fall far short of demonstrating unconditional love always, I purposefully and determinedly keep my heart open to others.

Thing Eight

I appreciate my love of books. Books and reading have been my companion through so many years of my life that we will continue to walk hand in page forever. Books, whether print, audio, digital, or braille: access to them and their content will change lives and bring freedom. I remain their champion and grateful partner.

Thing Nine

I appreciate my legs. Not for their looks but for their constancy. No matter my weight, no matter the distance, no matter the scabs of my youth or the too hasty nicks of my razor: my legs have carried me on this journey and to the present. They are strong. Even though they ache, even when the knees decide to sit things out for a while; I appreciate their effort, companionship, and effectiveness.

Thing Ten

I appreciate my determination. Do I procrastinate? Oh YES! Yes! Yes! Yes! I have ribboned in procrastination. Do I love change? NO! Nope, nada, no no no.

But: once the decision is made (be it to Hunt out rulebreakers on Vocal, move on from my first [failed] marriage, throw myself into a new carrier over and over, move to a state where I knew approximately three people, take on The Heritage Foundation when no one knew about Project 2025, learning to process a deer, or just get out of bed for another day when everything within me says 'Nah', I will move on in my life.

I have one shot, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime.