It's tough to write a post about Things I like About Me without putting on the Romantics' "What I Like About You" and playing it in endless loop until I finish my task.

And just yelling "That's What I Like About Me" over "That's What I Like About You."

Weird?

It helps me think.

Kidding aside, Elena said we had to do this seriously and not make a joke about it.

It is hard to really, honestly, talk about the things I like about myself! I can't self-deprecate at all?

Good thing at my jewelry party on Friday everyone had to go around the room and say nice things about me. It gave me some great ideas:

I'm a good time. Not "call Missy for a good time" written on the bathroom door good time. Good time "I know how to have a good time," good time.

I can ask anyone for anything and get them to say yes. This is technically not true, because people do sometimes say no. But I do have an ability to "get to yes," in many circumstances.

I'm courageous. Hmmmm. I can see where it looks like that. But I'm not so sure. Unless being courageous is doing things in spite of your fear.

I'm funny. Why yes, yes I am. Hilarious, in fact.

So that's what other people said.

What do I like about myself?

As in, me. Not hiding behind what others say.

Ahem. Here we go.

I like that I make people happy.

I like that I laugh a lot.

I like that I'm a reader raising readers.

I like that I'm perceptive. I like that I can read people's cues.

I like that I love food, and love to cook.

I like that I'm a writer, and a pretty good one too.

I like that I connect with people. I like that I can find a common bond with almost anyone. If I can't find one, maybe I'm not supposed to be that person's friend.

I like that I have more "things to do" than "time to do it." The opposite wouldn't be nearly as fun.

I like how I'm raising my kids. Even on the bad days.

I like how I incorporate faith into my life.

I like my political affiliation.

I like that I like to help the "little person." I've never been one to jump on the bandwagon of a huge cause. I pick places or ideas that are truly doing good, but may need more help or exposure. Then I give my time and energy to help it grow.

I like that I'm always learning. That I still have a thirst for knowledge.

And I like that I chose to do this exercise.

As uncomfortable as it made me at the start, it's good and important. The desire to only see the "bad" in ourselves, or the "areas for improvement" can be so strong, and hard to resist.

But recognizing that we all have worth.

We all have strengths.

We all are beautiful in different ways from each other.

That's magic.