Beautifully Different | #reverb10

December 8, 2010

This month I’m participating in #reverb10. Every day a new prompt is issued and I will write my response. The goal is to reflect on 2010 and manifest what’s next in 2011. Want to learn more? Visit www.reverb10.com.

Prompt: Beautifully different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.

I checked the Twitter stream for #reverb10 and from what I gathered, it seems that a lot of people are having trouble writing this post. First, people have such a hard time finding the beauty in themselves daily. Second, people don’t want to sound conceited or narcissistic by pointing out “beautifully different” things about themselves. I am dealing with both of these issues as I write this post, but I think it’s a very thoughtful prompt and deserves proper examination every once in a while. Instead of tearing ourselves down, once in a while it’s good to try to build yourself up.

Honest & Open

I’m honest about myself and my actions. Some might say I’m an oversharer, but I just like to keep things real. If I’m struggling, you’ll know. If I’m feeling good, you’ll know. If I’m not sure how I’m feeling, you’ll know. (You get the point!) I find that being honest and not putting on a “front” for people lets me learn a lot more about myself. It also has helped me learn more about myself, my moods and how to channel my thoughts and feelings into actions. Blogging has been an outlet for sharing my personal journey, which has forced me to better identify and explain myself and my actions. Over time, this might become restrictive, especially in times of struggle. But for now, being open about my journey and experiences is helping me learn and grow.

Persistent

I say persistent, you may say stubborn :) I hate not finishing something, not doing the best job I can, not reaching a goal. Besides my lifelong weight loss journey, there is really only one thing I can think of in my life that I wasn’t perceived as doing a good job at something. That one thing gives me regular nightmares, produces irrational anxiety and keeps me up at night. While that isn’t helpful (and one reason I’m starting regular counseling tomorrow), it is a perfect example of how much I hate to fail. As I grow older, I am starting to learn to be more “level” in my pursuits – meaning I’m more accepting in the time it might take to accomplish or becoming less frustrated when the results don’t happen as I want them. This extends beyond weight loss. It has to do with being a good wife, pup mom, employee and friend. Sometimes my sights get hyperfocused on one pursuit at a time, and right now, that pursuit is on weight loss and fitness. I hope in 2011 I can become more diverse in my pursuits!

After I wrote these 2 items, I asked my hubs what he thought. He said I’m smart, pretty, a good pup mom and make good meatloaf. I’ll take it!

What makes you different? Don’t say “nothing” – I’ll call bullshit!

  • Shannon Latif

    I can totally relate to this post. I also strive to be the best at everything, and sometimes I find myself biting off more than I can chew because I am afraid of admitting that I can’t do everything. Something that keeps me awake most nights as well.

  • http://memydogsmylife.blogspot.com amanda

    Great post!

  • http://lauralazewski.blogspot.com/2010/12/beautifully-different.html Laura

    My grandpa says it’s not stubborn, you are just dedicated to your opinion :) . I enjoyed your post, which I found through your reverb10 tweet.

  • http://crankypants-crankypants.blogspot.com/ Gryph

    I have kind of dropped out of Reverb10…I wasn’t inspired by the topics, but this one would have meshed perfectly with my blog…because I think my crankiness is what’s beautiful about me! hah.

  • LHA

    I am enjoying following the prompts and your responses. Both are throght-provoking. It is often difficult to name things that are positive about ourselves, and so much easier to quickly list the negatives that we see. Most of us struggling with life-long weight issues have plenty of self-criticism, if not outright self-hate. You did a great job of pointing out your good qualities, and they are things to really be proud of. Persistence is a terrific asset when you are attempting to make a big change in your life! Keep up the good work, and thanks for blogging.

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