Lovable me

A while back, there was a little experiment on someone’s Facebook page. It asked you to jot down all the things you love – everything and anything that comes to mind.

I was proud of my list. I had so many things in my life that I loved!

Then came the second step of the experiment:

"At which number did you put yourself?"

I threw away the paper and closed the stupid Facebook page.

It wasn’t that I didn’t have enough time or that I forgot. It never even occurred to me to put myself on that list.

It also wasn’t that I hated myself, not at all. I had never even considered that loving myself was something I should think about. I just...existed.

That was over ten years ago. Things have gone up and down more times than I can count, but this is where I am now.

First and foremost, I love that I was born into such an amazing family and that I get to live so close to them! ❤️

As a woman who was a teenager at a time when girls were labeled "fat" if their ribs weren’t showing through their hoodie, I can only thank the Universe for saving me from more serious health issues. I only had to deal with being discontented with my reflection in the mirror every now and then. Today, I give my body a hug and a pat on the back for carrying me through life! I love her! Six months ago, she couldn’t run a single mile, and last week we ran 15k–just because. Well done, girl! You’re amazing! 💪

And of course, I cannot overlook my mind. We’ve had our differences and haven’t always been the best of friends, but through everything, she’s managed to keep me relatively sane. Even if I say so myself.

I always prefer the ugly truth over a pretty and convenient lie. That’s why I very much appreciate that I’m quite direct and straightforward. I’m not rude or unkind by any means, but I will tell you the truth even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. No sugarcoating!

I'm resilient, and don’t give up if there’s an important point to make. But I’m also able to admit when I’m wrong. It hasn’t always been like this, but I’ve made peace with the truth that I’m not always right (imagine that!) and that some things are more important than winning an argument.

Life has taught me, and I have embraced the ability to laugh at myself. It could be after half an hour of heated discussion when I finally realize I actually am in the wrong. As I said before, I’ll admit that, and I’ll laugh with you about how stubbornly I stood by my mistaken argument. Or it could be the lovely moment I trip over my own feet in the middle of a crowded street or say something embarrassing without realizing it. Whatever it might be, you can be certain I’m one of the first to burst into laughter. 😄

I’m okay with preferring the less popular opinion. If the popular flow is moving in a direction I do not want to end up in, I’ll say "no" and walk away. Had I known how much easier it makes everything else, I might have started practicing saying "no" much sooner. (Lord knows, there have been times when I very much should have done it.)

It might be a bit of an extension of the previous paragraph, but I’ve realized that I want a slow and simple life. There was a point in time when I dreamed of being the girl-boss, wearing pantsuits and running from one conference room to the next. And whoever truly wants it, I’m rooting for you! You go, girl!

But for me, everything clicked when I realised how much happier I am living in the countryside, watching the sunrise over the treetops, walking barefoot in dewy grass in a long linen dress with my coffee in a yellow mug, waiting for the season’s first rhubarb pie to finish baking. 🌻☕️

And then there are my hobbies, which seem like a small thing compared to everything else, but they are a big part of what makes me, me. There’s dancing, reading, writing, running, orienteering, baking, and my guilty pleasure – criminal and mystery shows! Oh, and I soooo love board games!

And last, but most definitely not least, I make freakin’ delicious baked goods! I won’t be shy about this one! 🥧

So, here they are—my ten facets, which I absolutely love. 😊

Find more information about the challenge here.