topic Re: Can you list what you like about yourself? in Staying well

Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 07:00:57 GMT

Hello everyone! [Grinning LRC*]

Please, as a challenge or to share, I would like to invite anyone & everyone to write a list of any length you want, of what you like about yourself.

We might even have a discussion about what to include on these lists or not.

Most of all, for this Discussion, I hope, for those who find this really difficult, that reading what others like about themselves will give you some ideas of what is possible. Maybe you will find you like some of these things about yourself?

Big hugzies to everyone

mmMekitty

* LRC = Little Red cat, who wasn't really so little.

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:24:52 GMT

Hi everyone.

I would like to start my own list here.

Throughout my life I haven’t found this to be a question I could easily answer. & if I did say something, I would feel embarrassed about saying it.

A good example is that i liked that i could sing, & pretty well, too. i liked that i could, sort of by proxy, express emotions when I sang the songs I had learned. I liked the way I was able to learn the songs easily, too.

That was when I was younger, a least up to 22 years ago. Then my voice had changed & I couldn’t sing well anymore. More recently, I realised I can’t learn songs easily either. For some years, I stopped singing, not liking my voice, that it was unreliable.

Within the last year, I realised, I don’t feel embarrassed about my voice as it is now. I can & do still enjoy singing. I like the challenge of bringing my voice down an octave to I can sing all the notes of the melody. I like that I am able to like singing again. I lie that I can adapt to this change – even after so many years thinking I couldn’t, hating my voice so much, being angry about how it changed, feeling the loss of range & control like any other major loss in my life.

I like my new philosophy of ‘near enough is good enough’ which means I don’t have to be perfect to enjoy what I’m doing.

I like that I know I don’t have to be perfect.

I’m not sure if I can say ‘I like that I feel I’m good enough’, yet, but I do like how I feel I am heading in that direction.

& That’s not all in my ongoing list. I’ll add more later.

[Happily purring LRC]

mmMekitty

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

sbella02 — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 07:20:35 GMT

mmMekitty, what a beautiful thread, I'll come and be a part of it.

I've been feeling really down about myself lately, so let's see how this goes.

My resilience is slowly coming back. In uni right before that lovely pandemic happened, we did a resilience questionnaire that I then retook later in the year out of interest. It was very eye-opening to see how much it had dropped. I'd like to think that if I did it now at this point in my life, it would be a lot higher than it was a year or so ago.
My adaptability. I've learnt a lot of new independence skills in the past few years, and I've had to adapt very quickly to certain situations. It ties into resilience I suppose, but I'm grateful that I have the ability to be fairly flexible and adaptable as I move further into adulthood.
My work ethic. Even though I can be unmotivated on occasion, I generally have a high drive to achieve things and succeed, which I love. It's gotten me through a lot.

That's all I've got for now. What do you like about yourself mmMekitty?

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

quirkywords — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 07:26:00 GMT

I like

that I am prepared to do this list

I like that I keep trying

I like that I am kind

i like that can relate to my inner child.

I like that sometimes my words helps others

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:09:38 GMT

Fantastic SB. I would have liked to claim all of these when I was your age.

The work ethic, the adaptability & the resilience all will thigs which will support you through difficult times. To be learning those things now is so wonderful. More power to you!

Hugzies

mmMekitty

P.S. LRC loved being able to enjoy food - her food, some of my food, things which technically weren't food, which she could catch or find ...

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:29:44 GMT

Hello Quirky. By rights, I ought to have wrote that I like that I am willing to write this list, too. My mind got a bit side-tracked, as it does. That can be okay, too, as this whole Discussion was inspired by me asking another BB member to try to write a list for themselves. Then I realised I hadn't done that for myself for ages! At least not since I thought I had nothing to like about myself. After that, I didn't want to answer again.

But here I am, willing & able! I really like that you are too.

I've seen some of your hard work, here on BB, writing to help yourself, to help others, giving so generously, with kindness & empathy.

I like the idea of the 'inner child', & feel my own is there, too. At first it was hard for me to acknowledge & 'see' her in my mind. At first I couldn't approach her as she was. Now, I like to include her in the fun I'm having when palying the word games, or in 'Last to Post Wins, or on Croix's ice berg ... wherever I/mmMekitten can get away with it! She's had to learn some boundaries., which are things I got confused about when I was young. Now I am teaching her! & I like that I can do that , too.

I'm feeling rather amazed how much I am liking about myself!

(P.S. SB: I don't know why my 2nd wasn't yet showing here when you came, read & posted. I had immediately copied & pasted my 2nd post straight after the intro post. It's there now. As you can already see, there will be more to follow!)

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

Eagle Ray — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 09:25:25 GMT

Dear mmMeKitty

This is such a nice idea and I’m sure good for many of us to try and do. Trying to think of what I like about myself can lead me into a kind of excruciating embarrassment where I want to hide under a rock or curl up in a ball like an echidna. So it’s good to be prodded to be opened up a bit.

At the moment I can come up with that:

- I’m a friendly person and like people

- I’m nurturing and caring

- I’m interested in and curious about the world around me

- I have a sense of humour

- I want to pat every dog, cat, horse etc I meet (but check with them first so as to respect their space)

- I like giving and receiving hugs which I really need more of lately

- I’m sensitive and have empathy

If you are LRC I recently fell in love with a grey, fluffy cat so maybe I’m GFC (not to be mistaken with Global Financial Crisis!)

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:30:34 GMT

Love your list, ER/GFC (Not to be mistaken for Global Financial Crisis) [LRC laughs out loud enough for the neighbours to hear]

I can remember feeling embarrassed to even try to say something I liked about myself aloud, even to my PDr. Just by way of describing what it is about writing which I like, or saying I like some of the poems I've written. When I first joined the writers' group (no longer exists), how hard it was to share my writing with them there! It was confronting, but so rewarding when I did it.

I'm not writing so much now, but when I do, I still like how I can sit & get into some sort of flow or zone, & the words will be there, right where I want them.

LRC & I like having a sense of humour, too.

Note: LRC, mmMekitten & mmMekitty are all the same, just different ages. Croix gave the monicer ''Little Red Cat' / 'LRC' to the me who sometimes plays & gets up to mischief on his iceberg. I like that I am able to play! Did I say that already? I substitue emojis with written desriptions for Croix, too, in the squared brackets.

Some things which you like about yourself I would like to like about myself too. If I liked people more, was more trusting & therefore could relax & be more friendly & could enjoy the wider world more - I think, overall, I'd be less anxious & feel happier.

mmMekitty

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

Eagle Ray — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:13:39 GMT

Dear mmMeKitty

That was lovely you were part of a writers’ group. It can be a really supportive space to share your self-expression. I did it too for a while and like you it wasn’t easy sharing my writing at first. In fact, I think I always got a bit scared, but at least less so over time. And yes it is rewarding too. I’ve always been a bit scared speaking in front of people, even a small group, so was a good thing for me to get practice at.

I love that LRC gets up to mischief on Croix’s iceberg. Perhaps you could write a children’s book called the Little Red Cat and the Walrus?

When it comes to liking people, I’m simultaneously scared of them. So a weird kind of duality. So I struggle sometimes to open up, but with the right people with a friendly energy I seem to come out of my shell and enjoy engaging with them. But I totally understand the feeling of not trusting too. My first reaction with people is actually always fear and being on guard at first. I think sometimes you just need enough good interactions to start to feel safer and more able to trust.

I thought you might like to know that the GFC I looked after has the most grumpy face, but actually isn’t. It’s quite hilarious 😂🐱

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

Paw Prints — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 21:47:15 GMT

Hello mmMekitty, wave to all,

Well I've found your thread... this will be a slow work in progress for me as growing up I was taught not to talk about my myself & definitely not to say anything nice...

I'm good with animals
I'm always here for my family & friends
I believe I have empathy for others

Paws

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:29:01 GMT

Hi Paws & Woofa

What you list here says a lot about your character, which surely is caring, thoughtful & kind.

What do you reckon Woofa would say he likes about himself?

I wasn't encouraged to pipe up & say proudly anything I might have thought was good about myself, or to talk of thingsI thought I'd done well. That would be boasting, & my parents & maybe other kids too would say s"What do you want, a medal or a chest to pin it on?", or here, in Australia, you'd be called a 'poser' by other kids. Or that you've 'got tickets on yourself' or you are big noting yourself.

Howeasy the put-downs come, even in this inferred way.

Paws, & everyone, I hope you understand, your list does not have to end here. Return again, & add to your list anytime. Re-read over these lists, to remind yourself whenever you are in doubt. The qualities you have are precious & are the building blocks of the wonderful person you are.

Hugzies

mmMekitty

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

sbella02 — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 01:21:17 GMT

Paws & mmMekitty,

That's so true, I feel like there's a bit of a culture in Australia of being self-deprecating, and talking about things that we may be doing well is perceived as boasting, when self-love is actually a good thing.

Loving reading through everyone's lists of what they like about themselves, it's making my heart really happy.

SB x

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

sbella02 — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 01:38:26 GMT

mmMekitty, you're right, I do see your post now! We must've posted at a similar time, or we were being moderated at the same time so it hadn't quite appeared yet.

I too like your new philosophy, and I've been trying to do something similar recently too. Perfection is unattainable, and it's a great thing to be able to accept it.

I'm glad that you're finding enjoyment in singing once again. I don't know if I've said it here before, but it annoys me how natural human activities like singing and dancing are treated like commodities or skills that you have to master in order to practice. You don't have to be Celine Dion to enjoy singing, it's a very natural human behaviour that can help us express who we are.

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

Doolhof — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 01:39:25 GMT

Thanks for this thread mmMekitty.

I am going to give this a go as I know how hard I am on myself at times!

I am also going to start a new journal and will add to my list as time goes.

Okay, things I like about myself:

- I try to treat all people equally

- I am aware when I mess up and try to apologise to people when I have behaved inappropriately

- I care for nature, respect it and am thankful for opportunities to witness nature's beauty

- I have a strong work ethic

- I can be creative

- I have a sense of humour

This may take some time and thought!

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 02:44:11 GMT

Hi Dools, great to see you here, too.

That list is wonderful at least half of it is about reaching outside of yourself into the world, being considerate & caring about people & nature.

I think journalling is a great thing to do, to help yourself reflect upon who you are, where you are, what you think & feel in the moments while you write. When I did lots of writing of my thoughts & feelings, here alone, to myself, it was more to just get them out. My handwriting was often illegible, which was a great excuse for not looking back over what I'd written. The only feedback I had was what was already in my head.

It turned into a step towards talking, voicing what I felt & thought to that psychiatrist back in 1993.

If you struggle voicing your thoughts & feelings, writing them out helps to organise them, & then, when you need to speak it's easier.

If you look back, see how far you've come. You will be happily surprised. No doubt about that.

Hugzies

mmMekitty

PS I think you are right; it's the moderation. [smiling LRC]

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 03:39:25 GMT

Heheh,the PS was meant to be addressed to you, SB.

About the singing, dancing, movement in general, all creativ actives - evidence is showing how beneficial it is for mental health. No technical skill is required to take up a brusbrush to move a body part in arcs & such, to let out a sound whether to sing or to recite a poem, or when taking part in a play. These things are often social & very often, a whole lot of fun.

I had become very self-conscious about people hearing me sing. When I realised what I would lose if I continued to allow that feeling to hamper me, as well as what I'd gain by allowing myself to let that self-consciousness go my path was wide open to me.

It makes me ask myself, why do I hang on to these ideas & beliefs about myself, which only hold me back?

I don't have an answer for that, yet.

I like that I am able to hear questions & being able to take time think about the answers, allowing for the possibility that there may not be answers to some uestions, or only partial answers, or a variety of answers, or more questions.

Hugzies

mmMekitty

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

Summer Rose — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:25:32 GMT

Hi mmMekitty

Love this thread! I really enjoyed reading everyone's lists--thank you all for sharing.

I've been having a rough time lately and I think it will really lift my spirits to give this a go. I like that:

I never give up on anyone or anything.
While I may initially fall to pieces in difficult circumstances, I always find a way to get back up.
I love deeply, readily and generously, and I'm always ready to extend a hand in friendship to new people I meet.

Kind thoughts to all

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:26:41 GMT

Question:

Do you like this about yourself - being a unique individual person?

Ponder a while.

mmMekitty

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

mmMekitty — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:13:01 GMT

Hi Summer Rose. I'm glad to see you here.

Thanks for your list, which shows how much resilience you have & your openness to new friendships.

Sometimes it takes a little turn our attention to something which makes us feel good, so, I ope a little nudge to see the goodness in you helps you feel better.

I've seen around BB how you warmly reach out to talk to & support others.

I hope this means you are more comfortable with the forums again?

Seeing the pink of your Summer Rose picture cheers me when I see it on a page.

Hugzies

mmmekitty

Re: Can you list what you like about yourself?

Summer Rose — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:53:38 GMT

Hi mmMekitty

Thanks for your very kind words. I am very comfortable once again on the forum after bb took steps to address the privacy issues myself and others raised. And I am very grateful to the team for listening and responding.

Unfortunately, I am still experiencing operational challenges, as I don’t receive notifications when others post on a thread I’m participating on. I understand it’s a complicated issue that’s being worked on.

My resilience has been tested lately, but I have reminded myself that I can deal with what’s in front of me and I’m working on it.

Reading the inspirational stories of others here at the forum always fills me with hope.

I really enjoy your presence and contribution in our community too 💜

Kind thoughts to you