10 Things I Love About Myself.

When I first read about this self-appreciation challenge, I had to laugh. I mean, look around—the internet is brimming with self-appointed empaths pointing fingers at narcissists, threads unraveling every trait as a red flag, and people whispering about self-love like it’s something to be suspicious of. So, when Rick Henry Christopher threw open this challenge, my brain interpreted it as someone finally daring to say, “Hey, let’s talk about what we like about ourselves,” it felt bold. Refreshing, even, a delicious license to soak in the parts of myself I don’t always celebrate out loud.

So here is me, giving myself flowers. No filter and no apology—just real talk.

First, I love how honest I am. I don’t beat around the bush. I don’t sugarcoat or stretch the truth to make it more comfortable. Once I recognize what something is, I call it what it is, and there’s no convincing me otherwise. That kind of clarity? It keeps me grounded.

Second, I make decisions fast. No dragging my feet. Whether it’s choosing what to eat, where to go, or who to keep in my life—I don’t linger. I trust myself. I move quickly and confidently. I might not fit the stereotype of the indecisive woman, and honestly? I like that about me.

Third, I love hard. I love my family, my friends—especially the very few I keep close—and I give of myself without holding back. Giving fills me. It doesn’t drain me. It’s how I stay connected, how I stay full.

Fourth, I like waking up to myself. I go to bed with myself and wake up with myself, and there’s peace in that. Some people run from themselves. Me? I find comfort in my own presence. I think that says a lot. In other words, I really enjoy my own company.

Fifth, I don’t worship money. I understand its purpose, sure, but it doesn’t rule me. When I get a windfall, I share. I treat my loved ones. I enjoy life. I save a little, but my first instinct is always to give, not hoard. That generosity—that came from my parents, and I hold it dear.

Sixth, I’ve come to embrace a side of myself I once pushed away: I’m domestic. I like cooking. Baking. Creating little pockets of warmth in my home. I used to think that wasn’t for me, but now I find joy in it. Soft joy. Grounded joy.

Seventh, I’m creative. Constantly. If I’m not singing, I’m writing. If I’m not writing, I’m making something—anything. Creativity is how I process my emotions, how I document my existence. It’s part of my rhythm, my language.

Eighth, I’m disciplined. Like a soldier. That came from my dad, and I wear it like armor. I don’t bend easily. I run my life with structure, and that self-command has carried me through a lot.

Ninth, I’m tidy. Obsessively, joyfully tidy. I know where everything is, even blindfolded. The only time my space gets chaotic is when I’m sharing it—which makes me wonder how I’ll cope living with someone again. God willing, my future husband is tidy too!

Tenth—and this is the heart of it all—I rely on God. Fully. Every quality I’ve listed flows from this place. My strength, my peace, my softness, my survival—it’s all Him. He has preserved me. And that reliance is not weakness; it’s everything.

And for extra measure, number eleven: I forgive easily. Like a child. I don’t carry bitterness. I release. I let go. And that keeps my heart light.

This isn’t a list for applause. It’s a quiet moment of truth. A reminder to myself that I am good, I am whole, and I am worth loving—by others, yes, but most importantly, by me.