I Like Me, and You Should Like me Too! Smiles.

As the years come and go and my age climbs that 'good ole'  ladder, I am constantly analyzing myself.  I think about the things I want to change, the things I want to stay the same, the things that will turn people away from me, the things that will keep them near, and the things that ultimately make up who I am.

There are plenty of things that I want to change about myself, and as I grow to learn me, im sure the list will grow larger.  However, I am glad to know that as that list grows, the list of positive things about me continues to grow as well.  For the past year (at least), I've probably had THE WORST attitude that I've ever possessed in life.  It's not horrible by many standards, but I could definitely do better.  I get annoyed super easily, I hate to repeat myself, I despise being ignored or at least feeling like what I've said is not being heeded.  But what I have noticed is that my attitude will harm no one but me at the end of the day.  Though this personality hump has presented itself, for this TEMPORARY time period (*stamped*), I can also see some very great things about myself.

The character traits that I see that I like of myself lately are many.  To begin with, I am a fighter!  I do not give in to adversity easily at all.  I may experience a certain level of emotions, but at the end of the day, im steadily walking.  I am a loyal friend and family member.  I pride myself on the fact that I try to be there for my friends and family as much as I can (sometimes at my own expense, but hey Im working on it, and selflessness is a good trait right?).  Most importantly, I am grateful for having God in me.  It's the one thing that always keeps me grounded and brings me back center.  It reminds me that no matter what, everything will be ok.  It teaches me to be humble, to love freely and openly, to give all I have with no strings attached, to strive to do better and be better at whatever is placed in front of me, to control my anger and to hold my tongue.

Society teaches us that to be liked we need to look this way, be this size, have this skin, have this type of hair, be this color, have these teeth, laugh this way, walk that way, dress this way, and the demands ARE EXHAUSTING!  I urge each of you to find you, and to LOVE YOU!  Sure, there are things about you that you want to change, but love your essence.  If you look at yourself and in your heart say, "Man, Im ugly" (not from a physical standpoint, though it is important to love yourself outwardly as well), just know that you have the ability to change and to be different.   There are traits about me that I cannot stand sometimes, but Im working to be a better me with the support of my loved ones and ultimately God.

Once you embrace you, others will too, and those that do not werent meant to be a part of your journey (whether it's a friendship or romantic relationship).  Don't lose yourself in trying to keep someone in your life.

Always remember, when you build others, you are simultaneously building you, so in your quest to loving you, try giving love to others!

I like me, and you should like me too! SMILES!

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