My Favorite Thing About Me

What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

My Aunt Barbara had written this on the bottom of a letter she sent me. Yes, she still sends me notes in the mail. I have this taped right where I can see it as I sit at my desk. I find myself childlike when I talk to her. I still picture myself little looking up to her. I always have. I always will.

She hasn’t had the easiest of lives. Sure, she is secure in her marriage and home and retirement. It’s the moments of reflection I worry about for her. I remember a lot of the times of our family that hasn’t been the most pleasant and would break weaker people. Some do not understand her – why she is the way that she is. It is from love and loss. Lots of it unfortunately. Understanding her in turn is an understanding of me.

Which brings me to my favorite thing about myself and that would be strength. I am tough. I was raised by tough and I emulate that every single day. My strength arms me with a hard shell I would presume. Which I have turned into a shield of protection as I sit here thinking about it. I have been hurt by those that I have loved the most. Family and non-family alike. I do not hold grudges – I set boundaries. Setting boundaries opens the door for new opportunities. I have seen growth in myself. The word no is a complete sentence and I use it often. When things do not suit me or my lifestyle, it is a no from me. I have strengthened myself in all areas of my life and it feels good. Real, real good. There is still work to be done – no one is ever finished working on themselves am I right? At least, I don’t believe anyone should stop working on themselves. Trying new things and figuring out what fits is half the fun.

Once again, Aunt B is correct. I have a soft heart and a hard shell – which strengthens me every single day.