Sometimes with chronic illness it’s easy to focus on the bad stuff about ourselves and forget the good stuff. I’ve done it far too many times over far too many years. A couple weeks ago I wrote about chronic illness and self-esteem. Based on the response to that 
and other articles I’ve written about this, I think a lot of you know what I’m talking about and you’ve had the same problem.
So today we’re changing that. I want you to do two things.
First, write down 10 great things about yourself. Write them, type them, record them, dictate to someone else who will write them. Your format doesn’t matter. Just do it. If it’s too hard, then start with 1, build up to 3, and try to get 10 over the next few weeks. These aren’t about your looks but about who you are as a person. Think about what makes you great. Keep that list and reread it every month, every week
, every day, whenever you feel down – or whatever works for you. Add to it whenever you think of something else that should be on the list. When someone compliments you for something specific, add it.
Second, write at least one of those things in the comments below. You can write more than 1 if you want, but please share one. This 
will help you and others in so many ways. It will show others that it’s possible to still be awesome when you have a chronic illness. It will give them ideas of things that are great about them, too. And when you declare to the world (or at least to the readership of this blog) that you love these things about yourself, you’ll be taking it heart and believing it more strongly than ever. So go for it!
To be fair, I figure I should probably share my own list. So here goes.
- I’m a good daughter, always there for my parents and helping them when I can.
- I’m a good friend. Even when I can’t do much physically, I listen, I offer advice, and I’m there for my friends.
- I’m a great crocheter.
- I go out of my way to help others, even people I don’t know very well.
- I’m a good cook. Ok, I have a limited range, but I do a good job with what I know.
- I’m strong. Life has made things tough for me, and sometimes I’ve given up temporarily, but eventually I always go back to trying hard to get better (or to at least not get worse.)
- I try my best to be a patient and health advocate for others.
- I’m good with kids.
- I’m interesting. I read a lot and have different hobbies, so I always have a variety of things to discuss with people. (Hint: this is handy for changing the topic when I don’t want to talk about my health.)
- I appreciate nature. Put me at the shore and I can happily sit and watch the waves for hours. Even pictures of trees make me happy. I always stop to smell the roses (literally!)
Ok, now it’s your turn. Take some time and create your own list. And remember to reread it whenever you feel a bit down.
Chronic Rants 
I love this thought-provoking post, as well as your list. My one thing that I will share is that I am great at being an optimist. I’m an entrepreneur who lives far away from family and friends, but I am a fighter and will always try to look at the bright side of every situation, especially when it comes to my abilities as an occupational therapist and a private practitioner. 🙂
That’s so awesome! Thanks for sharing! And I can feel your optimism shining through your words. Being away from family and friends is hard, but with your attitude I bet you’ll have new friends in your town soon. Thanks again for sharing 🙂
1. I am a GREAT cook.
2. I rock at reading stories to my kids.
3. I am a very enthusiastic shower-singer.
4. I know a ton of random facts, this is great for how much time I spend waiting around with random people.
5. I put being friendly ahead of being in a rush.
….. Well that’s a good start, I’m sure I can get the rest today, I guess that can be a 6. I’m stubborn, but in a good way 😛
Awesome post, writing this list really helped today both dealing with a flare and just mental exhaustion and hopelessness. I really am going to print out a copy and keep it somewhere to be seen 🙂
Great list Ms. Mango! I especially love #3 🙂 I’m glad this exercise helped. Enjoy that printout!
I’ll do this tomorrow when I have a bit more energy but the start of my list will probably be:
1. I’m optimistic. I always (or almost always) see the positive side of things and don’t let the negatives overwhelm me too much.
2. I always have time for friends and family. Even if it’s just to listen to them and support them that way.
That’s a great start Megan! I hope you found time to add a bit more to this list 🙂
Yes, I did thanks! I wrote about it in my blog on Tuesday (http://mychroniclifejourney.com/2016/02/09/10-great-things-and-a-half-way-update/).
Thank you for the challenge.
I have found faith in myself (after a very long time): discovering that my writing (which was originally only for my own edification and distraction) is of interest and use to others.
That’s great, blatant! I know what you mean – I was surprised to find so many people reading my writing, but it’s wonderful!
What a great and positive thing to do.
so here goes
1) I am a good father, I will always be there for my children to support and encourage them in whatever they want to do
2) I am a loving husband, trying whenever the pain allows to help my wife, to listen to her after a hard day at work and to be here for her
3) I will always listen to my friends problems and am happy to put their needs ahead of mine
10 was too big a leap for me but I shall reblog and try to add to it over the coming days!
That’s a fantastic start seachy! Definitely keep adding to the list, and I’m sure you’ll have 10 in no time!
Reblogged this on Seachy Waffles On, Chronic Pain is a game changer and commented:
A great blog by a fellow spoonie, her 10 positives are at the bottom, mine, well;
What a great and positive thing to do.
so here goes
1) I am a good father, I will always be there for my children to support and encourage them in whatever they want to do
2) I am a loving husband, trying whenever the pain allows to help my wife, to listen to her after a hard day at work and to be here for her
3) I will always listen to my friends problems and am happy to put their needs ahead of mine
10 was too big a leap for me but I shall reblog and try to add to it over the coming days!
That is a good idea. I sure don’t have 10 yet. Chocolate, cookies and exercise are my downfall lately, but it’s not all bad.
1. I am persistent. When I set an advocacy goal that involves improving things for patients I keep working on it until we make progress, even if it takes longer then having a baby.
2. Great to hear so many people recognize optimism as a useful trait. I had little but gained it back in a somewhat hokey way. I used to enter lots of contests with some success – that developed optimism be cause I always felt that something good was around the corner, and taught me the value of persistence, which is what it took to get the results
What a great start anet! And I think you should add “having a real appreciation for good food, such as cookies and chocolate” to your list, too 😉
It’s good to think deeply about yourself!
1. I am a good mother who is a role model for her children.
2. I am a great teacher who cared about each and every child I’ve taught.
3. I am a great friend and will doing anything to help them
4. I am a good wife and try to always put hubby first.
5. I am an advocate for my health and will speak out to get the best treatment
6. I am a doting dog mummy and adore my Sable
7. I am an avid reader and take part in discussions about books I have read.
8. I am a scrumptious cook who enjoys baking new recipes.
9. I am a supporter of several charities and try to be active about raising money for them.
10. I am a secret chocolate/sweet eater! I love nothing better than a good book and some sweets.
Thanks for this challenge.
Hugs xx
Ps. I am a dedicated follower and commenter on your blog!
That’s a great list, Lorna! And yes, you’re a great follower and commenter – thanks for that! 🙂 And I’m glad to see that Sable made the list. I think a lot of people overlook how much good they do by taking care of their pets. I’m sure Sable appreciates your efforts!
[…] week, while reading other blogs (something I try to do daily now) I came across a wonderful post on Chronic Rants that discussed how those of us with chronic illnesses can tend to focus on the negative impacts of […]