I’m borrowing this idea from Downtown Dharma, because it’s an excellent exercise in self-love.

Could you list five things you love about yourself?

I’ll go first.

1. I’m funny

2. I’m a writer

3. I have crazy, fun curly hair

4. I can get along with anybody

5. I love the one, lone freckle I have next to the right eye

What I found surprising is the lull that I experienced between points #3 and #4. Seriously, it took all weekend to write this blog. I’d like to think I have pretty decent self-esteem, but even I fumbled at complimenting myself.

You’d think it would be easy to be nice to yourself, but self-criticism and judgment just comes more naturally to some. It takes nothing to look at the negative, but the positive is always ducking behind a tree.

Remember that old Saturday Night Live sketch with Al Franken when he’d look in the mirror and go: “I’m good enough. I’m smart enough and doggone it, people like me”? It was funny and cheesy… but he was kinda on to something.

When’s the last time you said something nice about yourself out loud? If it’s been a while (or maybe never), you’re long over due.

You can’t wait for people to notice the good things about you. You have to recognize and celebrate them for yourself. I mean, after all, if you don’t like you, who else will?

One of my mother’s many words of advice is: “Speak positive things about yourself everyday.” So go for it. Don’t be shy; toot your own horn. List five things you love about yourself and post it below.

For More:
31 Days of Self-Love
Inspiration for Loving Yourself More
Tips for Being Your True Self