This week: Brag
I had a moment yesterday. You know that moment when an elderly shut-in who’s been sour her entire life and has recently found Jesus bursts into tears because you brought her a hot meal? Then, she hugs you around your waist and asks you to find her address book stashed in a box of used cat litter so she can call her estranged son to make amends?
Oh, that’s never happened to you? Me neither.
But, I did have a different kind of moment yesterday. I spaced out at the bookstore and when I “came to,” I was in the self-improvement aisle. It is said that there are no accidents in life. If that’s the case, I’m fucking scared.
Since the rest of the gang wasn’t done with their shopping, I had a few minutes to browse. I should probably add here that I’m not really in a gang. Sometimes, I think I’d like to be, as it would simplify the color scheme of my wardrobe. Plus, there would always be someone available to go to Baskin-Robbins with me or do a beatdown. For now, my 11-year-old daughter and my husband are my gang. We don’t have a hand sign yet, but we’re working on it. Sadly, they’re opposed to beatdowns.
I flipped through a few books. I’m happy to report that for an investment of $14.99, I can discover my self-worth. For an additional $19.95, I can learn to effectively parent in as little as 20 minutes a day.
This aisle always makes me feel pretty crummy. Sure, there’s always something I could improve. But this week, I want to give myself some credit.
I’m usually embarrassed to share the things that make me feel proud of myself. We’re taught to be self-deprecating and humble, so it’s nice to remember how far we’ve come. Instead of feeling alone, shamed by our negatives, I think we should try to roll deep, strengthened by a community of people who celebrate our positives.
For me, I’m extremely proud that I did whatever I had to do at the age of 18 to have my daughter, Cal. My family was opposed to the idea of me being an Asian single mother, a sure sign of failure. I ignored what was popular for what I felt was right.
Also, I possess some wicked parallel parking skills.
Share your proudest moments, accomplishments, talents and skills. Don’t be shy. Small, big, whatevs. And for sharing, you get a *fist bump*.
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image via knockknock.biz
