I like myself; I learned the hard way to like myself, to be my own best companion. I learned through a life-threatening illness. I have survived the life-threatening part of the catastrophic illness I suffered and it has changed my life, especially the recovery. As difficult and traumatic as it all was, I can honestly say I am a better person for all I have endured and all the remnants of illness I face every day.
I learned to like myself, I like spending time with myself, I am a good fun person. I am insightful, smart, pretty, well some days, I am a good friend, wife and mother, sister and grandmother, I can turn anyone’s bad day into a good day by offering a smile, hope and encouragement, if the person is willing to listen. I am pleasant, kind, and creative, I am a very good cook and caretaker of many things. I’ve earned my place in this life and although for me there might not be a tomorrow, I live on my terms, not someone else’s, well except God’s.
Recently, in conversation with a friend, I was trying my best to share how I had come to like myself and I was very surprised to hear my friend say, that’s what I need to do, like myself. You see, I’d filed away the fact that not everyone like’s themselves. I’d forgotten for a moment how difficult it was to overcome my loss of self-esteem and self-worth. My friends words gave me pause, I remembered the harsh words spoken at me in my life, how the beating down of my self-esteem made me feel. I remembered the years of work it took and those people in my life who helped me to stand up again, to like myself.
I will no longer hide behind furniture, cowering in fear for anyone. I like myself too much to go back to that life. Everyone should be able to say, I like myself and I love my Lord, Jesus Christ, who has stuck with me through my whole life.
Read more articles by Laurie Gagne or search for articles on the same topic or others.
