Being positive in a world of 'Debbie Downers."
Somehow, this has turned into a proclamation of extolling the virtues of myself as often as I can.
The funny thing is that people really, truly believe that I am some conceited prick heck-bent (that's the mormon version of hell-bent) on making myself look better than everyone else.
Which is not hard to do...
Hahaha...see what I mean?
It really has just been a big joke from the beginning. But it kind of bothers me that it has to be taken that way in order for people to accept it. I get that we are supposed to be humble and all that, but what is so wrong about looking for the positive in yourself and others?
Why is it okay to say that something bugs you, but not okay to give credit where credit is due. Case in point...the checkout line at Walmart...
It is all good if you turn to the person in front or back of you and say, "Man, these checkout lines are so freaking slow. I keep telling myself that I'll never shop at Walmart again, and yet here I am, stuck in the this stupid check-out line...AGAIN."
But it's not fine if you turn to the person in front or back of you and say, "Isn't Walmart such a great store? They have such low prices I just can't turn down coming here. I mean, I could, but I would have paid a ton more money to buy this same stuff at Kmart."
Another case in point, Your son's t-ball game.
It's great if, at your son's t-ball game, you say, "Those little boogers from that other team are cheating and man *wink, wink* I wonder if the ump is related to one of them. All the calls seem to be going in their direction."
But it's non-awesome to announce, "That other team has quit a few good players on it. The little number eight's hit was amazing. Did you see how far it went? Wow!"
And it is definitely okay to get on Facebook and say. "Man, I'm having a sucky day. The dry cleaning man burnt my shirt, my kids are driving me crazy, I'm starting to get a cold and feel like poo...etc. etc."
However, totally not cool to say, "I am so awesome. No matter what life throws at me, I smack it right back in life's face. Nothing can keep me down!" (Believe me, I know this to be true. :-))
Why are we such a society of whiners and complainers? Why do we link ourselves to others through complaint and self-doubt? Why do people like you more if you're willing to diss on yourself, but not give yourself a compliment every now and then?
Because, I have to tell you...shhhhh...lean close...I have to whisper so people don't think I'm a jerk...
Since I started this project for myself, I actually do feel as 'all that' as I pretend to. There is something about looking at the bright side on even your worst days that changes you as a person. And sometimes, when you pretend to like yourself, you find out that you actually do have a lot of amazing qualities others should be impressed by.
I'm just saying...
1) Comment on this post about something you rock at and become a follower. (1 Entry)
2) Be my friend on Facebook and be willing to join in on posts of 'AWESOME-NESS'...(you might want to leave a comment when you request so I don't freak out that you're stalking me...because that's what happens to people to are really amazing. (hahaha). (2 Entries)
3) Write a blog post that lists 10 things you are better at than anybody else and link it to here. (5 entries)
*You might ask, do I win something for this, and I might answer, "Yes, you win the permission to feel good about yourself." But that is a cop-out.
I'm also doing a drawing for a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate (so you can buy a 'I Don't Need No Self-Help' book), a $25 Walmart Gift Certificate (because you have to have somewhere to practice your meeting new people in a positive way), and a $25 ITunes gift card (to buy music that inspires you to be great). And yes, it is possible to win all three because I believe the first person I draw out for each one should be the winner. :-)
Happy 2011: THE YEAR OF AWESOME!
*Contest ends midnight, Saturday, February 26th!
1 comment:
Awesome idea for a giveaway! I'm actually working on being more positive this year as it doesn't come naturally to me, so this will be a good exercise!
One thing I rock at is learning languages. I don't pursue it anymore but, between high school and college, I studied about ten different languages!
I'll totally do the blog post too--how long do I have until you draw winners?
Liz
eemoody77 at gmail dot com
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