lurkette

There's been a lot of talk on the boards lately about body image, and it seems to me that a whole lot of people are down on themselves, in a lot of ways. I think there's plenty of drive to better oneself in our society, but not nearly enough encouragement to love yourself exactly as you are, which a friend of mine says is "the only perfection." So...share with us 10 things you like about yourself! (I'm posting this in the Ladies Lounge because it seems that women in particular are prone to feeling very negative about themselves, particularly physically).

I'll start:

1. I am intelligent
2. I am kind
3. My boobs are perky
4. I am a strong-minded woman
5. I am adventurous
6. I make a difference in the world through my job
7. My feet are pretty cute
8. I have nice hands and fingernails
um...
this is harder than I thought
9. My eyes are green and pretty
10. I am thoughtful and deliberate

There! Your turn.

__________________
"If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing."

- Anatole France

TanteMegs

1: I'm nice
2: I help my sister take care of her handicapped daughter
3: I make a difference in childrens lives with my job :-)
4: I have really curly hair(perm looking, but natural)
5: I have pretty blue eyes
6: I'm tall(6'1 or so)
7: I care about my friends enough to ask how they are today

Hmm, this is a little tricky

8: I'm a good listener
9: I help my friends with their problems
10: I love my animals(5 dogs, 1 cat, 1 guinea pig, 3 fish, and 42 horses, I work with them)

Those are my 10 nice things. I ever knew that it would be that hard to come up with 10.

Megs

emsgurl

WOW! This is will be hard but an excellent exercise.

1. I am intelligent.
2. I am a strong woman.
3. I am a good mom.
4. I support myself.
5. I have beautiful blue eyes.
6. I am cute and petite.

ummmm hmmmm........

7. I am a dependable friend.
8. I keep my friends secrets.
9. I have awesome fashion sense.
10. I am spiritual.

You know I have decided to do this on a weekly basis with my divorce going on I feel this will help my esteem. Thanks for bringing this to us!

__________________
So live that you can look any man in the eye and tell him to go to hell.

Anon.

JadziaDax

Do they all have to be true?

1. I am intelligent
2. I am kind-hearted
3. My tits are REAL
4. I attempt to make a difference in my work
5. I let my ex-husband off easy
6. I've been told I have nice hair
7. I've been told I have nice eyes
8. I have long eye lashes
9. I'm a bitch (I think that's a nice thing about myself... weird?)
10. I help my colleagues

LittleOralAnnie

1. I'm a great listener
2. I'm intelligent
3. I have a good sense of humor, always joking
4. I have beautiful green eyes, long lashes
5. I am thin, and rightly proportioned
6. I am down to earth
7. I am artistic (love to draw and paint)
8. I'm a hardworker, albeit underpaid
9. I'm a good friend
10. I'm unselfish

sexymama

1. I am loyol
2. I am forgiving of myself and others
3. I have a good sense of humor
4. I am not skinny and I'm okay with my body
5. I focus on the positive in life
6. I am real
7. I am strong
8. I am independent
9. I love me and accept me
10. I am a great lover and a wonderful mother

This is a GREAT exercise. Even the Bible says "love your neighbor as yourself" not rather than yourself! Self love and recognition is important. Thank you for starting this strand.

__________________
If you can go deeply into lovemaking, the ego disappears. That is the beauty of lovemaking, that it is another source of a glimpse of god

It's not about being perfect; it's about developing some skill at managing imperfection.

*Nikki*

1. I am passionate.
2. When I want something I put 100% into getting it.
3. I am loyal to those I love.
4. I am tall.
5. I think I am rather attractive.
6. I am extremely creative.
7. I can be very giving.
8. I am not lazy.
9. I can kick ass if need be.
10. I give excellent blow jobs.

SabrinaFair

1. I am witty
2. I am a lady
3. I am intelligent
4. I am strong
5. I am loyal
6. I am easy-going
7. I am a fellatrix of immeasurable talents
8. I am talented
9. I am charming
10. I am generous

__________________
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
-Desiderata

motdakasha

Just to make it harder, I'm going to try to avoid listing anything sexual or about my physical appearance.

1. I'm not a puppet of society.
2. I am a good listener.
3. I give thoughtful feedback.
4. I am supportive.
5. I'm not a yesman. I will disagree with you if I feel it's (not) "right."
6. I am open-minded.
7. I am confident of myself.
8. I make a great friend.
Hm, having to think about the last two...
9. I give massages instead of receive.
10. I am full of useless information.

__________________
=^-^= motdakasha =^-^=
Just Google It.
BA Psychology & Photography
(I'm not going psychoanalyze you nor will I let you cry on my shoulder. Have a nice day.)

Minx

Ten things sounds easy but may not be....let's give it a go.....

Things other people have told me (which I consider to be true) ...

1) I'm a good listener.
2) I'm nice to everyone regardless of appearance/sex/race/etc.
3) I'm mischevious (I consider this a good thing)
4) I'm intelligent (don't need anyone to tell me this! )
5) I'm trustworthy and loyal.

Things I know.....

6) I'm patient.
7) I would do anything for someone I cared about.
8) I'm generous and like to give rather than receive.
9) I'm very strong willed and independent but still retain the ability to just let someone else lead.
10) I have a huge heart, good body, am easy on the eyes and have a (relatively) sweet temperment.

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

anti fishstick

oo funfun

1. i'm smart
2. i have a nice smile
3. i'm quirky
4. a good listener
5. i'm attractive
6. talented [art. violin. guitar. etc]
7. i give good head
8. i'm dependent, loyal and a good friend
9. i'm independent, strong and badass
10. i'm not afraid to say no

__________________
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
~Anais Nin

G0dd3ss

Might be good for me to think of ten things that I like of myself.
Let's see here...

1. I have pretty, deep-brown eyes...almost black.
2. I've pressed on, persevered and gained insight from the tough times in my life.
3. I have excellent grammar and spelling skills.
4. I have great people skills.
5. I'm a pretty attractive girl.
6. I'm a great lover.
7. I have pretty auburn hair.
8. I'm spiritual.
9. I have gained the love and respect of the most beautiful and intelligent man I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
10. I make a mean pie.

There. That wasn't so hard... today.

__________________
It's best not to be too moral...you cheat yourself out of too much life. - Maude, Harold and Maude.

yoshi

I'm not sure if I can do this--

-I make great spaghetti
-I always go the extra mile
-I'm a hard worker
-I love kids
-I'm very happy with my marriage
-I have small feet
-I have big brown eyes--can't miss 'em
-I'm starting to lose weight
-I'm passionate
-I take good care of everyone else before me

uptown

10 things? lol,I'm hard pressed to think of even three!

They develop cures for all sorts of things,if they could come up with a cure for always feeeling like you are worthless,I'd buy it in a milllisecond. I cannot list the various feel good about yourself methods I've tried over the years but none of em seem to over come the tape that plays in my head telling me that I've never measured up and never will.

lurkette

I know the feeling, hon, and let me tell you a little secret I've learned:

that little voice in your head, the one that plays on the tape and tells you you don't measure up, it doesn't know what the fuck it's talking about and it is NOT YOUR FRIEND!! Its job is to keep you small and powerless and safe from life with all its pitfalls and hurts. That's why it adds the "and you never will" part - It says "Why even bother? You could never do all those amazing things you're thinking about doing. You don't really want to chase those dreams - you might get hurt! Things are good enough right here. Let's just sit here in the dark and stay safe till we die. There, that's a good girl. Don't you listen to all those other voices telling you how wonderful you are! They don't know you like I know you - they want you to go try new things, they're just flattering you so you'll go out and chase your dreams. I'm your only real friend." The voice is in no way connected with reality.

If you are really, truly feeling worthless all the time it might be worth trying therapy, or trying therapy again if you've already trod that path.

If you ignore the tape, if you just listen to your true self, the one that loves you exactly as you are (you might have to listen hard to hear it), can you hear the good things about yourself?

__________________
"If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing."

- Anatole France

cheerios

10 things.

1. I am smart
2. I have a twisted sense of humor
3. I am friendly
4. I am willing to give new things a try
5. I am patient
6. I listen well
7. I have a sense of honor
8. I have a work ethic
9. I have confidence in myself
10. I can love.

darksparkles

oo, excellent idea... i think we need this. this'll be tricky...

1. i'm pretty good at figuring tech things out intuitively
2. i'm good at telling people off that need it, especially if they're doing something to someone else
3. i'm told i have nice eyes.
4. i can write a kickass short story
5. once i figure out a camera, i can take some pretty nice pictures.
6. i'm also told i have a nice butt.
7. i practiced and can now move my hips quite well, in dancing and otherwise..
8. i look good in a pair of combat boots
9. i'm good with crayons
10. i'm willing to try new things.

__________________
"I could be the walrus ... I'd still have to bum rides off people." -Ferris Bueller.

Theresa

1. I'm easy to talk to.
2. I'm tall.
3. I'm open minded.
4. I've been told I can also be intimidating, which I like to hear.
5. I'm good at making people laugh.
6. I'm faithful.
7. I have a pretty face.
8. I'm very sexual.
9. I'm get good grades in college.
10. I'm laid back.

It's reassuring to me that it didn't take me long to think of those and I am sure I would be able to think of more.

shannon

1. i'm in love with everyone and everything
2. i collage like a madwoman
3. i write poetry without following any grammar rules
4. i take really good care of my skin moisturization
5. i can make myself laugh, and occasionally others too
6. i try to be naked a lot despite my negaitve body self concept, and i'm getting better at it ever day
7. i naturally have boobs that make great pillows, and that you can rest down on a table for laughs
8. i have a great relationship with my family
9. even the craziest customers at my work like me
10. i can come up with ten things i like about myself in about 5 minutes

StormBerlin

1. I am smart.
2. I am openminded.
3. I can go braless and no one can tell.
4. I am ambitious.
5. I like my body.
6. I have a boyfriend that loves me.
7. I have a nice smile.
8. I try to laugh as often as possible. Even when I hit a pole with my car in my apartment complex, or get two parking tickets in the same day...
9. I am a quick learner.
10. I can get along with anyone.

__________________
"if anal sex could get a girl pregnant i'd be tits deep in child support" Arcane

punkgrl1984

1 I am intelligent
2 I have a good sense of humor
3. I have long legs
4 I sing well
5 I have pretty eyes
6 I am a good listener
7 I fight for injustices
8 I am an individual
9 I have a great relationship with my family
10 I am always willing to do something new

__________________
[COLOR=Purple]life's what happens when you are busy making other plans
-John Lennon[/COLOR]

Jonsgirl

1. I am curious.
2. I am creative.
3. I am smart.
4. I think of myself as sexy.
5. I learn from my mistakes.
6. I have a soft heart.
7. I usually have a ready smile.
8. I am unique and I like it.
9. I think my best feature is my eyes.
10. I like my life the way it is.

__________________
Someday, someone will best me.
But it won't be today, and it won't be you.

koli70

1. I like the color of my hair and that its nice n thick
2. I have really cute feet too
3. I can get along with almost anyone
4. I'm a great listener
5. I'm trustworthy
6. I have morals
7. I can find somethin funny in almost any situation
8. I'm a great driver lol
9. I have a great skin color thanks to my middle eastern decent
10. I make the best homemade cinnamon rolls

__________________
Woman is a danger cat

Double D

In no particular order...

1. Smart
2. Funny
3. Empathic
4. Feisty
5. Persistent
6. Creative
7. Caring friend, family member, & citizen of the world
8. Well-mannered
9. Inquistive/Searching
10. Responsible

This was very easy for me ~ I could do 10 more with no problems, without the physical attributes, which I would list as well if I thought they were more important than what I listed here. And no, I don't think that it means I'm egotistic ~ just have lived 43 years and had time to learn to appreciate myself .

Fun question!

Edit: Changed Stubborn to Persistent

curveedv8

1) I'm a caring friend
2) I'm an adventurous lover
3) I'm well-read but not arrogant
4) I trust my instincts
5) I don't judge people
6) I believe in my friends and I let them know that.
7) I believe in myself
8) I love deeply and I don't hate
9) I'm honest and forthright
10) I'm funny (make others laugh) and I also laugh alot.

~springrain

lurkette... i absolutely ADORE you for this post... *soft smile*... and it couldn't have come at a better time.

you are right when you said that little voice inside your head is NOT A FRIEND...

*deep breath*... okay... here goes nothing...

1. i am silly
2. i am fun
3. i am a strong woman (as my sister's and i like to say, "i've got Moxie!" )
4. people often tell me i have beautiful eyes
5. i am fiercely loyal
6. i am a good mom
7. i am a good wife (i think, i hope, Willow tells me so)
8. i can be very creative
9. i am very compassionate
10. i still find wonder in most everything i see

that was harder than i thought... but well worth the effort.
thanks again lurkette
(((((((((((((((((((( hug ))))))))))))))))))))))))))

bernadette

i'm...

1) honest
2) a loyal wife
3) blessed with good friends
4) blessed with a good home & great neighbors
5) kind to animals
6) told i have pretty green eyes
7) the winner of the best husband lottery
8) not completely stupid
9) fairly creative
10) generous

__________________
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Rowan

1. My naturally curly red hair
2. I am Intelligent
3. I don't take any flack from any man any more
4. I at one time lost 85lbs
5. I am outgoing
6. I am overly generous
7. I am good at pleasing men
8. I like my hips (gives me some sort of curves)
9. I am a music lover (that means alot to me, music is my only saviour sometimes)
10. I have some really geniune friends.

That's funny I was think of more negative things as I made this list but more importantly I thought of things I could improve upon.

Thank you.

cherylcannady

1. I'm the one that Mr.S chose.
2. I'm highly intelligent.
3. I'm a natural nurturer.
4. Children and animals flock to me.
5. I make great spaghetti sauce.
6. I accept myself for who or what I am on any given day.
7. I'm confident.
8. I practice random acts of kindness often.
9. I have terrific breasts.
10. I know how to have a good time without drugs/alcohol/crime.

Thanks for this thread.

__________________
~I wonder who I am today. Any ideas?

I Brow

Okay-so i am actually a girl so please don't get mad this name or anything. I am just using his name to type this.

ten things about me i like
I live life the best I can so I don't regret what i have done.
I have great eyes(hazel)
I know how to love
I respect other people and how much they help me in life
i am learning how to accept when I am wrong about something.
I know who i am and i like what i see
i am stubborn and patience
i know when to take time out for me and relax
i can admit when i am afraid and uncertain
I can admit i don't know everything and i am still learning


this is a very cool post and it got me thinking. thank you
jenn

Scrumptious

1. I am smart
2. I am fun to be around.
3. I am blonde and damn proud of it.
4. I am a C cup with just a little sag.
5. I am a great nurse.
6. I have been told I have pretty blue eyes.
7. I have a great husband and sex life!!
8. I have a good personality.
9. I smile alot.
10. I am a WOMAN!!!!!!!

This was great, i usually don't take the time to focus in on the positive, but this really made me stop and think...........thanks

Hash_Browns

1) I am a great friend
2) I am a great Mom
3) I can be a pain in the butt girlfriend (but it keeps things interesting!)
4) I'm not afraid to admit I am ignorant (andI always stride to ask ?'s and learn from them)
5) I am pretty...some days more then others...like just after the shower all natural! That's the best (so says SO!)
6) I love to listen and help where I find its appropriate
7) Family is important to me, and I am always true to that bond
8) I am a very supportive person
9) I am a great flirt
10) I feel I am very down to Earth and always open to another's opinion about anything!

__________________
Smile It makes people wonder what you're up too!

lafemmefatale

1) I have a good grasp of reality
2) I don't conform to societal standards
3) I have full lips perfect to plant a wet one on ya!
4) My body, while not perfect, is much appreciated nevertheless
5) I am a confident speaker
6) I know that in the end I will always listen to my morals
7) I can [finally] accept my shortcomings
8) I do not tolerate disrespect towards anyone who doesn't deserve it.
9) I can adapt but still remain true to myself.
10) I know my limits and I push it

__________________
-poor is the man whose pleasure depends on the permission of another-

mustangsally

I like this thread!
I've been dealing with a sort-of-ex-boyfriend who is ultra critical and it's been bumming me out about myself, so this'll be good for me!
1. I am articulate
2. I am kind
3. I am creative and artistic
4. I see the beauty in the little things in life
5. I have nice hair
6. I have a good body
7. I have a good sense of humor and love to laugh
8. I am organized
9. I am humble (although you wouldn't know it from this list, har)
10. I've been through a lot and I'm a survivor, still here and trying to grow!

Whew! That felt good!

onodrim

1. I am considerate of others
2. I have a beautiful voice
3. I am intelligent
4. I have nice hair
5. I have great patience
6. I am responsible
7. I have beautiful eyes
8. I appreciate all forms of art
9. I am organized
10. I have a good figure

Thanks, that was very much needed. Its been a long week already!

__________________
"The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there’s little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides"
-Carl Sagan

Steph

1. I am a free spirit.
2. I am independent (a word I have trouble spelling!)
3. I love writing and editing and constantly work at both arts to improve.
4. I am ambitious.
5. I work hard.
6. I am great with animals.
7. I listen to learn.
8. I help keep my family close.
9. I keep in touch.
10. I believe in karma.


To those people who say it's hard to think of 10 things . . . talk to your friends! They'll find tons of things to get you on the right track.

GREAT THREAD!!!

Shyla Loral

Shit, this'll be hard, I often don't think good things about myself, so here goes.

I am smart, funny, well educated, loyal, a good cook, I work hard, I am a great wife, a good listener, I have great empathy, and am very open minded.

Wow, not as hard as I thought. Yay!

__________________
"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead" Ben Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac.

Meff r0x

xavier

Not sure if I can name 10 things that is a hard one.
1.I am tall
2.I am skinny (won't be soon if keep eating like I do)
3.I am a good listener
4.I have nice legs
5.I have my dads smile(pretty)
6.I have small boobs which i hate but when i get old I will like not having to worry about them sagging!
7.I help take care of my niece and nephew.

hmmm

8.I am a bitch(I speak what is on my mind whether it is nice or not, some don't like that quality about me)
9.I give friends advice if they ask.
10.I am a good listener

cruisergirl

Hmmmm..ten things, huh? Well, this is good for an after-school special at least!

1. I have great hair
2. I have a nice figure,plump as I might be
3. I have a great sense of humor.
4. I love my freinds and am very loyal
5. I love to make others feel special.
6. I can read very fast,and do, often
7. I have a passion for knowledge.
8. I am very good at felatio (ask my husband)
9. I can dance, and least shake my bootie with the best of 'em.
10.I have a large cache of unnecessary information stored in my brain, think of me as a walking google.
Well, i asked my hubby to pitch in on this one, and he came up with " Uhh, you have a good attitude." Yeah, I feel special. Looks like someone is going without tonight!

__________________
If your going to ride my ass, at least pull my hair. Love, Cruisergirl.

Frenchie

Lets see...
1. I'm lighthearted
2. I have a pretty smile
3. I'm tiny
4. I have healthy long hair
5. I'm a good listener
6. I love to take care of myself
7. I love to take care of others
8. I'm passionate
9. I'm compassionate
10. I think a lot of my goals


There are probably a lot more. But you get the gist