I got an interesting tag for this idea from Jean Browman at Cheerful Monk. (The original idea came from Alex Shalman’s “I’m Stuck on a Deserted Island, With Just Myself.”) To me the idea is “Are you comfortable with yourself?” Are you able to sit alone, deep in thought and be at peace with the person you are?
Right now my own answer is an emphatic, “Yes!” I like myself, and I’m proud of who I am. I’m far from where I want to be in life (I have lots of big plans), but I’m comfortable with my progress so far. I admit though, I’ve done a lot of work to get this far. My big breakthrough came first from self-help books. Learning I wasn’t the only one to question my life, faith and direction. Then I had more breakthroughs during the course of several years while I was learning and practicing meditation.
I may not be what others consider a success story, but that’s okay with me. The one thing I’ve struggled with over the years is how many people at first judge me as snobby or stand-offish. That is only due to my shyness. I’m nervous until I get to know people. I still believe that people won’t like me. That sounds like a contradiction doesn’t it? That I like myself, but think others won’t like me? But it’s true.
I seem to be a bit odd. I don’t quite fit the mold. I love country music and heavy metal. I love horror movies and children’s movies. I read self-help books and books on the paranormal. I don’t fit any one category. But that’s okay. I realize now, it’s okay to be different.
One thing I am most grateful for is my ability to appreciate the moment. I wish I could stay in the moment all the time, but there have been multiple times when I have experienced “BEAUTY.” That’s how I think of it. Moments when a perfect day full of sunshine, blue skies and birds singing hits me right in the heart with its pure perfection. It can occur any time, seeing a cloud that looks like the Grinch on the drive home from work, watching two squirrels fighting over territory during a break at work, or listening to the snores of my dogs after a long walk. :0)
I’m blessed that these moments come to me over and over. Sometimes I feel extremely lucky to live in America where I have so much opportunity to succeed. I have cried out from the sheer joy from loving another person. Other times I may feel the presence of God in the acts of kindness done by total strangers for people I don’t know even know.
So yes, I’m blessed to be at peace with myself. I like myself even when I fear no one else does. I know I try to improve every day, and my serious effort helps me forgive myself when I fail to meet my own standards. I find peace and serenity by listening to the wind in the trees and watching the clouds roll by. Who could ask for more?
🙂 Your post touched my heart. Thank you. Thanks also for extending the conversation.
I would like to see a continuation of the topic
Thanks Jean, I always love your posts, and this was just my take on your tag. (The whole idea is very intriguing.)
Maximus – thanks too. I think I’d enjoy a continuation of this topic. Maybe after the holiday season. :0)
Wow – you definitely are not alone because you just described me! The challenge is feeling comfortable with your own eccentric individuality – because you don’t belong being “part of a mold” – and that’s okay, I think it’s also being interested in the differences of others too. I know, I like people who share my interests and feel that people won’t like me if we are too different – but the truth was if I embraced our differences, we would embrace eachothers most likely and create a bond and friendship.
hello brightdays……
i do understand the beauty u r talking about………
the beauty of the moment when nothing else matters but just the moment………
the beauty which tells us.”absorb me,all we have is now”…….
i love what u wrote………
🙂
Priyanka,
Yes, those “beauty” moments as I like to call them are simply those wonderful moments in time when you realize that everything in perfect and blissful right here in the now. Once you experience the joy and wonder of a beauty moment you will begin to notice them more often. It makes me smile just to think of it. :0)
wow! just what the dr ordered….fabulous read!!! :)))
I’m struggling to love and be comfortable with myself. I’ve been struggling with this and trying to fit in. I’m in highschool and it’s been this way since I was a little girl. I’m a bubbly person and that doesn’t seem to get me friends quickly but I’m grateful to have 5 ah-mazing best friends! It’s sooo hard and tears down my confidence. And it made me cry for years. But there’s nothing I can do, I try to be the same as others, so I guess I just have to accept that God intentionally made me bubbly, shy, and respectful of others and myself. I will overcome this obstacle one day. Adios and thanks for this amazing article. Ur such an inspiration & God bless u:)