Recently, I was at a job interview and they asked me to tell them three words that describe myself.  I honestly can’t even remember what I said, but I know I stumbled through it. After I answered, they asked me what are three words my friends and family would use to describe me and I chose loyal, ambitious, and confident. I was so shocked by my answer versus the answer I assumed my friends and family would say, that I literally told the interviewers, “Wow, those were way better than the words I used to describe myself!”

Fast forward to today:

I posted a picture of myself in a bikini (above) in a Facebook group I’m in for Bariatric patients. We all like to show off our progress and ask questions/compare stories, and I wanted to show off my recent 65 pound loss so far this year. I found that so many people decided to compliment me by saying things like, “You are so confident!” or “I wish I had your confidence!” I just found this to be a bit odd. 

I looked at it like they were saying “Wow, you don’t look great, but at least you have the confidence to post such a photo!” So I made a (what I thought was) light Facebook post, making a joke about the situation and comments. To my surprise, not as many people laughed as I thought they would. People who know me WELL “reacted” with a HAHA or left a joking comment, but people who only know me from online or are more like acquaintances really let me know how they felt about me and my confidence.

This post could be said about so many different things. I sometimes look at myself and wish I were more kind, patient, empathetic, etc. And yet, some women are great at being all those things. I want to give a reminder to you all that we need to step back and realize that people can see your good qualities, they recognize them, AND they admire them! Don’t discount that special thing you have, because others may be looking at you and wishing that they had just that thing.

Lastly, I got tagged in a sweet “word porn” on Facebook (above) by a friend. (Thanks, LB!) And it really made me think to put this whole thing together. You’re used to being you. You’re used to your weaknesses, so you point them out- even though others probably don’t notice. You’re also used to your strengths, so you just ignore them or discount them- even though others are probably noticing and admiring them.

I just want to encourage you all to be your best self, and don’t be too hard on yourselves. Every one of you is unique and wonderful, and I’m sending you ALL my love today!

xx