A Lesson in Loving Yourself

“I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; … He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I needed to read this today. I think I've been comparing myself to others a bit too much this week. And it's affecting my happiness. I think all girls do this at times.

So here's what I decided: we are all going to participate in a little exercise today. I'll start, you'll follow.First, we are going to name 3 physical traits that we actually like about ourselves. Then, we are going to name 3 talents we have. Next, we'll state 3 accomplishments we are proud of. After that, we will name 3 personality traits or qualities of ours we are glad we have. And last, we will name 3 people that we know love us unconditionally -- faults, insecurities and all.

Here goes:

Physical Traits
1. My bunny nose
2. My big lips
3. My butt (i feel weird saying this one...)

Talents
1. Writing
2. Crafting
3. Cooking

Accomplishments
1. Graduated in top 10% of high school class
2. Full ride scholarship to ASU
3. Overcame more than one big fear

Personality Traits/Qualities
1. Empathy
2. Self-motivation
3. Dedication

People that Love Me
1. Jess
2. Mom
3. Dad

Now, this may seem a bit conceited. I know I felt really weird writing all this. But, I don't care. It made me feel better. It made me remember that I have done good. I matter.

I think that it's important to remind ourselves of the good in us. I think we get so caught up in being the best or comparing ourselves to others that we forget what it is that WE OURSELVES are good at. And that's just silly. We need to remember the good things, the things that make us who we are. The things that OTHERS look at us and say, "I wish I were like her. I wish I could do _______ as good as she does. I wish I had her ______." You do it to other people. Other people do it to you.


So I want all of you to post your answers into the comment section. If you don't have an account, get one or e-mail me your answers (jessesgirlblog{at}gmail{dot}com) And I don't want excuses. It was hard for me to think of these answers. It took me awhile. So think about it. But don't ignore it.

And I will be very disappointed if someone reads this blog and then does not respond in some way. Yes, I can find out. I have a stat counter. And I know that there are about 50 people give or take on any random day that read my blog and do not comment. I know who some of you are specifically. Do this. You won't regret it.

After you answer, I want you to write down your answers somewhere you can go back to. I'm writing mine in my journal. Then, when you forget the good in yourself or are just feeling down, go back and read these. It will help. I promise.

Don't forget to love yourself. When you love yourself, it becomes easier to love others. It's hard to be happy when you aren't fully happy with yourself. So let's all make a pact to STOP comparing, STOP wishing, STOP being negative and to START thinking positively about ourselves, START working towards our goals, START becoming that girl we want to be and REALIZING that we are already part way there.

Now...go comment!