they said,
ten things you appreciate about yourself
and now I'm stuck
not from some deep-seated self-hatred
but more in the same way that you might struggle when somebody instructs you to "say something"
I am sure
when Bill himself got a new pen, he sat there
mind blank
and eventually wrote
"hello" *
or
my name is...
+
there must be things I like about me
I mean pretty much all of me is okay
just okay
+
a decade ago this would have been easy
I'm caring, loyal, patient, punctual
I make a mean lasagne
but now, do I care enough?
am I loyal enough?
you get the picture
+
I guess I am pretty critical. I simultaneously sprouted the ability to give fewer fucks
and also raised the standard I set for myself
wait
there it is
the thing I like most about myself:
I'll never be good enough
and I know it
which means I'll always keep trying to be a bit better
that's good, right?
*
I'm not "nice". I'm good. I think.
Maybe not good enough. But not "nice".
I'll tell you the spiky truth rather than a silken lie
that or keep quiet
depending what it costs me
self respect is too high a price
I have more than I did ten years ago
and I hoard it
I don't care if you like me
if you leave me
I have good shoulders
for shrugging
*
I'm good at sleeping
I've made some pretty spectacular human beings.
I can cut a bagel perfectly straight
I can handle my drink
and I can write
a bit
sometimes
on a good day
this could be an extension of my flapping tongue
which, let me tell you
needed no extension
even before I kissed the blarney stone
+
and I do make a mean lasagne
+++++++
Thank you for reading!
Bill Shakespeare wouldn't have said, "hello", because it didn't exist yet. It was one of the few words he didn't invent.
I wrote this for Rick's challenge:
About the Creator
L.C. Schäfer
Book babies on Kindle Unlimited:
Summer Leaves (grab it while it's gorgeous)
Never so naked as I am on a page
Subscribe for n00dz
I'm not a writer! I've just had too much coffee!
Sometimes writes under S.E.Holz
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from L.C. Schäfer and writers in Poets and other communities.
Thou Shalt Not Set Fire to a Nunnery
"You're going to have to help me move the body." Julie stood in the doorway to my room, which was a cell really, and she was as close to breathless as I'd ever seen her. She looked dashing in the moonlight, and lit up with the glow of adventure.
By L.C. SchäferExclusive • 2 months ago
Comments (21)
I love your format! By the way, you made me look up the etymology of the word "hello." That's not fair!
L.C this was mostly quite relatable and echoes some of my thoughts and why I didn’t participate in the challenge even though I wanted to - especially when you said this, “a decade ago this would have been easy” and also about not being good enough but wanting to BE better. Very honest and revealing. And I’m glad you still make a mean lasagna! 😊
.. and love the illustration too!
"I'll never be good enough" is a great approach to self-improvement, however much you might or might need it. There is always that bit more. Could be worth considering this line (perhaps pared down) as a 'Tattoo this line" submission. Just a thought. Well done
This confirms my suspicions. You’re adorable
This is great, L.C.
Loved the honest and the whimsy in this, LC! Good luck in the challenge!
Do you want to share recipe (or have you already)? Amen to all that & more, L.C.
Unique, different..got me thinking..cause i got squat about meself. Great one L.
I have good shoulders for shrugging! Love that! I wish I was nicer too, but unfortunately my face never gets the message so everyone always knows what I am thinking! Great piece and good luck in the challenge.
I love your story...guess because I love your essence...your honesty...and your writing
A great take on the challenge! And when it comes to writing, it seems to me that every day is your good day, lol
I love that you turned never being good enough into a goo quality! Such a positive look on things. I really want your lasagne now.
Thanks everyone for reading! Is no one impressed by my bagel slicing talent?! 🤣
That lasagna 😋 I enjoyed this piece.
These all seem like great qualities to me. Especially making the great humans. I can relate to that too.
I think you’re enough! And now I want to try your lasagna! Great work!
Lol, this is how I feel about myself. You totally get me hehehe
I'm so glad you've entered the challenge, LC.
Nicec, I too, made some good humans and and extraordinarily good at sleeping. Not when people are supposed to sleep, at night, but I can day sleep like a Champion!
Thank you for your entry L.C.