Have you written a love note lately? Today you might write two.
It can be hard to feel love and gratitude for ourselves. It might feel awkward and strange. So with the thought that each of us have something to be grateful for, grab that feeling, stick it in your heart and take a deep breath. Today’s prompt is really fun, but it might not be easy.
When was the last time you sat down and listed the gifts you bring to the world? I’m guessing it’s been awhile. I know I had lost my way and my voice. You’ll notice there are long gaps between posts on this blog. I just felt like I had nothing to offer anyone. I can’t fill in those gaps and that time is gone, along with the opportunity that came with every single day I spent wrapped up in fear. I just couldn’t see the possibility because I was so caught up in my negative thoughts.
Recently, I realized I didn’t value myself. Anytime someone gave me a compliment, thanked me for something, or simply sent a positive email, my mind immediately brought to mind multiple reasons why I didn’t deserve this kind word. For my entire life, I believed negative self-corrections would bring me to humility or make me more likable. No. Underselling yourself is not humility and you deserve better. You deserve love, to be recognized. Humility is realizing your God-given gifts and sharing them freely and generously. To be able to have humility, you must realize your unique traits, what makes you, you.
It took me hours to come up with positive things about myself. I had talked myself down to the point that I didn’t remember my talents & passions. I couldn’t say what I cared about, or why I was even on this planet. By not valuing myself, I put personal relationships, parenting abilities, and even my own life in peril. One day I thought, ‘How can I teach my daughters how special and important they are if I cannot even teach myself?! I knew I had to change myself to change their paths.
Day 22 Meditation Prompt – #31daystohappy
It’s time to pull out those journals! First, write a love note to someone close to you. List off their good qualities and thank them for sharing those gifts & talents. Really feel the gratitude, whether it’s someone who’s reached out on social media, someone you admire in your neighborhood, a child’s teacher, a minister, whomever you choose, write a kind note and mention specific traits. Aren’t you glad that person is in your life?
Day 23 Meditation Prompt – #31daystohappy.
You are a person of value and importance. Don’t disagree. I programmed my mind to automatically contradict anyone who had anything nice to say to me. I hear women around me do this all the time. I’ve decided I want to stop as much of this behavior as I can, and I want to rewire my brain to be able to think positive things about myself. I started by listing off my talents and passions. I had to really think. I came up with: my writing is above average, I love reading to my kids, I enjoy surprising people with gifts, and being more generous than necessary whenever possible. I love to smile at strangers. I love God. My mind is capable of change, constantly striving to be better. These are my ideas and yours may be different. You bring a lot to this world. List it off.
Write yourself a genuine love note. Don’t hold back. Thank yourself for how much you do. I believe each person does the best they can every single day. No matter how small you think your contribution is, to someone else you are a gift. It’s time to love yourself for being you. Never lose sight of your own light. Celebrate everything about yourself, warts and all.
When I feel anxiety knocking, I read my own love note. I have faith the person in that note can weather the storm.
Thank you very much for reading my little blog. It is very appreciated. If you missed yesterday’s very fun cross back apron tutorial (A really great and easy gift!) you can find it here.
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Amanda, you are right – many women are programmed to refuse and reject any compliments, acknowledgement, or even thanks. But long ago someone told me that when someone offers a complement, instead of deflecting it, we should just say, “Thank you.” But really, there is more to it. We need to internalize and recognize our self worth. As you said, our Heavenly Father gave each of us unique gifts in order to bless the lives of our fellow beings. Reading your post kind of broke my heart. Knowing you as I do, I know that you have many wonderful gifts. You are wonderfully creative, amazingly generous, and beautifully kind. You have so much to offer the world, and I am very proud of you.
Amanda, these posts are great. Not only has it given me something worthwhile to read while I sit and nurse the baby but I’ve been sharing them with some of my friends too who have been struggling lately and really need these prompts. They both have said that they have been helpful. I really admire and appreciate your openness and candor. I feel like I’ve gotten to know you a little better and I’ve been inspired to do better and be better along the way. Thank you.
That “programmed for self deprecation….” ouch. Definitely.
If I have learned that behavior, I can un learn it! Thanks for this…..
Aww man! I meant to write that last post here! Lol oh well. You’ll read them both.
I wrote Chris a love letter, my hubby. It’s been a tough year and I needed to thank him for sticking with me, it’s not easy. 🙂
I wrote myself a love letter too. That was a bit harder. Man I didn’t realize how hard I was on myself. Thanks for these prompts!
Krista
I’m realizing now that I already commented on this post. But I was rereading it and I think this is the one I’ve needed the most out of all of the prompts. I have a talent for recognizing other people’s talents but not so much my own. I like the list you shared of your talents and that they didn’t have to be big things. Like you love reading to your kids. That is a great quality to have but also a good example of how I should start small with looking for my talents. You have so many large, very observable talents, so I really liked it how you listed the quieter, lesser-known ones about you. For instance, I remember that you are a great singer, although I haven’t gotten to hear you sing in a long time. You are a talented writer, a savvy entrepreneur, an excellent chef, a creative and skilled seamstress and quilter. You have an artistic eye which leads to your gifts for decorating, photography, and fashion. You are also generous, of which I have been on the grateful receiving end. Now I need to go work on this prompt and figure out what my other gifts are too ☺️ Thank you for the inspiration.
this is the nicest comment I think I’ve ever received. Thank you, Blair. You’re patient, good at budgeting, and love being around people. And kind. What a gift it is to be kind!
We’ll see you soon!
Amanda