I'm, uhm, actually pretty vain. I like a lot of things about myself. ;)
Let's start with physical because women in our world are told not to be overly proud of their bodies. I love my body! I love my curly hair. It took many years to learn how to get along with my curly hair because I was silly and treated it like straight hair and it said, "You suck, lady." Now I know how to be nice to it and it is gorgeous. Now that I stopped bleaching it so that it could be more blonde and acceptable it is much healthier and softer. I love it just how it is. I like the rest of my body too. I like how strong I am. I like that running marathons and moving (literally) tons of concrete (or sand or dirt or...) is something I can do. I like my funny-looking smile. I have very crooked teeth. But I practiced in front of a mirror for years so that I could have a smile that other people reacted to on command. It's very artificial and yet... strangers on the street constantly stop to thank me for smiling. It's a service I provide.
I like that I'm good at teaching. I've taught a lot of different topics and skills over the years from sex ed to writing to theatre to elementary school to college. Every age. As many topics as possible. Doesn't matter if I barely know something I'll enthusiastically sign up to teach it. Every time my students gush about how they "learned so much". I'm good at giving people permission to fail so that they feel brave enough to learn. It helps that I'm a walking example of failure. Just keep going. You haven't failed until you stop trying. As Mr. Mandela says... judge me by how many times I get back up.
I love my writing abilities. I believe I have at least ten books in me. I've written two. I'm not working harder on publication and promotion for a variety of reasons. I think the first book doesn't make that much sense without books number 3-7. I think I'll be one of those people who publishes ten books all of a sudden in their 50's or 60's.
I love what I'm getting to do with parenting. I feel like I'm having a magical experience. I love my life so much.
I love that I was smart enough to say "yes" when my best friend showed up for dinner and said, "I know this is crazy and you already dumped me. I know you don't want to date me. But I have to ask anyway. Will you marry me? I will never forgive myself if I don't ask. I know you don't want to date me because...." (he went on and on until I told him to shut up and let me think.) Dating him kinda sucked. He was a crummy boyfriend. He has been a wonderful and fabulous husband beyond all dreams and expectations. I am so lucky.
I love that my friends tell me I am an edu-tainment device in their life. I educate while I entertain. I try hard to bring the funny. I worry that mostly I'm just a downer. No negativity!
I love all the wonderful books in my life. I spend a lot of time reading and it feels like the most delicious and wonderful luxury and privilege in the whole world. I get to learn. I am so lucky. I feel grateful for every new day of learning/reading.
