I like me because...

On my door is a heart painted by my 5-year-old that says, "I like me because...I can ride my bike." As I looked at it this morning I thought, "At what point do we go from a child who thinks everything we learn to do is amazing to an adult who believes that nothing we do is amazing?" It reminds me of the talk, "Happiness, your Heritage" by Elder Uchtdorf (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) where he discusses the difference between the way he and his wife, Harriet, cook. He explains how she will make a lovely perfect meal and feel it is inadequate and yet he is quite proud of his ability to make toast. Somewhere along the path to adulthood we learn this terrible idea that we can't be amazing anymore or perhaps that it is only reserved for a select few. But why?

As I keep pondering the heart on the door I realize that we don't have to do anything amazing to feel good about and like ourselves. My son's heart does not say I like me because I am an amazing bike rider who does the best stunts you have every seen. No! He says I like me because I can ride my bike. Can you ride a bike? Can your mom, dad, brother, sister or even your grandma ride a bike at least at one point in their life could they ride a bike? Most likely the answer is yes! So why does that make it any less amazing that you can do it? We don't have to be the best at what we do to celebrate that we can do it. I am terrible at doing math in my head, but can I do it when I absolutely have to? YES! See, I AM amazing!

Ok so here is my challenge to whomever reads this Blog (no cheating if you read this you are now expected to do it). Write down 20 "I like me because..." finished sentences (you are an adult so yes you do have to do all 20. Sorry!). Remember they don't have to be things you'll be receiving an award for. Just think of 20 things that you are happy to be capable of doing. It can even be as simple as I like me because I can make toast. So go head and give it a try. I give you permission to celebrate and like yourself! If you're brave enough report back to me and tell me how you did and how it made you feel. It might just be the thing you needed to make you feel amazing today. Here's mine...

I like me because...
1. I have strong legs that can run.
2. I have GREAT hair. :)
3. I am a Fantastic mom.
4. I still love my husband after 9 years of marriage.
5. I can write.
6. I can bake bread.
7. I can overcome my challenges many of which are mental challenges.
8. I can read.
9. I can garden.
10. I am fun to be around and easy to get a long with.
11. I am happy.
12. I can play the piano.
13. I can teach gospel principles.
14. I can related to kids well.
15. I can create works of art.
16. I can lift weights.
17. I can organize a two weeks meal plan and only have to shop every two weeks.
18. I can make tasty & healthy sugar free smoothies.
19. I make delicious homemade whole wheat waffles.
20. I love the Lord and work hard to improve myself every day in many ways.

Ok now it's your turn! Go!