For the month of November I’m participating in a daily gratitude challenge posted by the journaling app that I use, Day One, and here’s today’s prompt:

What do I appreciate about myself?

First thing that popped into my head was how much of pain in the ass I was in my younger years, especially as a young insufferable Christian teenager. There were eras when I attempted the “know it all” card and that was one of them. I also went through an “I am an artist” period in my early adult years, which I felt gave me license to disregard social niceties like making small talk with one’s friends’ mates or showing up on time. I appreciate that I got over myself and don’t hold myself in such high esteem. Kind of an odd thing to say that I appreciate about myself, but there you go. Those were some pretty ragged years, that I’m glad are a distant memory. 

I’ve had it pointed out to me by some friends that they appreciate it that I’m willing to listen to and/or interact with folks in our groups that they themselves would rather not have to talk to. That’s me: takin’ one for the team. Middle-kid syndrome, making up for my earlier obnoxious years, whatever it is, unless someone is openly hostile, I can pretty much talk to or listen to anyone. Again, except for the decidedly evil sociopaths, I’ve found that we share so much and most of us just want to be heard and connect with one another. I’m all for that. That’s the good news that I want to spread, get over yourselves, you can give room for others without giving up room for yourself. No one here ‘cept us chickens!