Let Me Tell You Why YOU Are Awesome

A local blogger did a post with this same title yesterday. Go read hers first, then come back here, 'cause I want to add to her list.

You Exercise
I get it, exercise is important. It helps you sleep better, it makes you stronger, it keeps you in good shape so you don't die at a tragically young age and leave your loved ones behind. And yet...I pretty much don't. So those women out there running, hitting up the gym, doing yoga, whatever it is. You rock. I'd like to be you.

You Have Nice Nails
I can only manage not to pick at my nails when they are painted. And I'm too cheap to spend $7 on a bottle of nail polish, so the polish chips and then I would have to do daily touch ups. And, just no. So, ladies with nice nails? I notice your polish and I applaud you.

You Dress Nicely For Work
I have spent the last 5 years incrementally inching my way to a nicer professional wardrobe. The women with a great sense of style, who manage to create outfits not just recycle the same handful of shirts and slacks? You are my idols. I take mental notes so that I can copy what you do. You are an inspiration and give me hope that one day I too might get there.

You are Funny and/or Quick Witted
I have my funny moments. Unfortunately they are almost never in situations that could desperately use a little levity. So if you are the one who breaks the awkward pause with a well timed joke or who uses a witty line to tactfully call out inappropriate behavior? Thank you. I adore and admire you for it.

You Remember Names/Faces
I've been known to confuse two characters in a movie because both actors had the same hair color. I'll loose track of who is who in a book if two characters have names that start with the same letter. And I've done my share of awkward greetings when hailed by someone who obviously knows me...If you manage to actually recognize/remember people you have met only once or twice before? I will be forever impressed.

You Can Dance
I am able to amaze and appall potential dance partners with my severe lack of rhythm. My musical husband has spent the last decade attempting to teach me to find the beat. Let's just say it is not a strength of mine. So those of you that dance, joyfully, unabashedly, gracefully...whether you are bopping along in a car or stealing the spotlight on the dance floor, my hat is off to you.

You Camp/Hike/Get Outdoors on a Regular Basis
I am not afraid of dirt. Some of my fondest childhood and teenage memories were made on campouts. But camping is a lot of work for just two people. And getting outside means dealing with bugs and humidity, and sunblock, and carrying water, and being sweaty. I love nature once I GET there, but the getting there? Usually doesn't happen. So those of you that manage to get to the great outdoors to enjoy it? I applaud.

I'm going to reiterate Kim's point here: the things that you do without thinking, which are effortless to you? The things that you do because you find them worthwhile enough to get you off the couch? Someone out there probably sees and admires. Own that. And let the people you admire know that you respect and admire them. Help put a little more positivity out into the universe.

Why I Refuse to Be "Not Like the Other Girls"

Claudia Gray explains so beautifully what is wrong with claiming to be "not like the other girls". My favorite bit?

What I’m trying to say is, There are as many ways to be “girly” as there are girls in this world. There are always going to be people out there telling you that if you like things pop culture tells you are girly, you’re stupid, and that if you claim to like things pop culture tells you are guy stuff, you’re lying. And what I’m saying is that all these people are full of crap.

Love what you love. Be proud of it. Anybody who tells you what you “should” or “should not” like, because you’re a girl, is a big fat liar. You ARE like the other girls, like we all are, in that none of us came off some Female Assembly Line. We’re all individuals. We should all get to express it without being judged – either by pop culture or by ourselves.

But go read the whole article. It's short, straightforward, and full of truthy goodness.