Let’s start a new New Year’s tradition -- Appreciating Ourselves

 
Photo courtesy of Tom Schmucker/Swivel-Eye Photo

As the New Year quickly approaches, I have realized that I am pretty tired of the idea of making New Year’s resolutions.  Resolutions always focus on fixing the things that are wrong with you, and I think that this is the wrong approach.  I believe that true success in life, however you define that for yourself, will only come when you focus on your strengths and on what you can do with those assets.  It is easiest to do the things in life that come easy to you!  Success doesn’t come from trying to cure your weaknesses – it’s just a waste of time!!! (in my humble opinion, of course).

I LOVE the idea of paying attention to and feeding our strengths instead of our weaknesses.  The problem, though, with appreciating our strengths, is that we are basically taught NOT to do this.  We simply don’t go around talking about how wonderful we are on a regular basis.  It’s rude, selfish, arrogant, etc. , etc. 

I disagree with these characterizations.  There is a difference between selfishness and self-love.   I don’t think that we can be of any long-lasting help to our family, friends, the community, etc. , if we don’t love ourselves first.  It’s hard to love other people unconditionally if we can’t love and appreciate ourselves.  You can’t give away what you don’t have in you.

I want to start a new New Year’s tradition.  On this last day of the year, I am not going to make any resolutions to lose weight or clean my house more or anything like that.  Instead, I am going to appreciate my strengths.  I think that it does take a little bit of time to get used to this idea, but even if you are uncomfortable with it, maybe you can do it just for today.

To see how easy it can be to do this, here are some things that I love about myself:

I love to laugh, and I am a very silly person who loves to play :o)

I am a good organizer and planner

I have a great memory for details – I can remember people’s birthdays, anniversaries and other special dates without having to think about it

Similarly, I am a thoughtful person who sends cards and presents to those who are closest to me on their special occasions

I am a good listener

I love to dance!

I have pretty decent powers of perception and insight

I am a wonderful handwriting analyst!

I had the discipline to run my first marathon this year!!!

Please join me today and appreciate yourself for all of the wonderful things that you do and for all of the great qualities that you have.  And don’t leave me hanging here by myself – please share one thing that you love about you!!  And let’s think about what we might be able to do to develop our gifts even more in 2009!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!