14/30 - Strengths

Describe 5 strengths you have.

1 - Saying no - People understimate the power of that word until they can't say it for a while.  Used to, when someone would ask me if i could do something for them, i'd always say yes.  I'd go and do whatever no matter how i felt or what i'd rather be doing.  Now, i can say no.  If i'm hurting too bad, if i have other plans, or if there is something that i'd rather be doing (for any number of reasons) i just tell them in a nice tactful manner that i can't.  It seems that people actually respect me a bit more for being honest, cause face it, if you're doing something you don't want to be doing, people can tell.

2 - Pushing through the pain - I've always had some kind of pain.  Be it headaches (the earliest one i can remember really kicking my butt was back when i was 8 or 9) or full body aches (they've started interfearing since about 15-16).  Now, don't feel sorry for me.  I'm not writing for your pity.  But there are days when all i want to do is curl up in a ball and sleep all day.  But i have two beautiful girls, and responsibilities that i have to take care of.  So no matter how bad i'm hurting, i get up and push through.  I can cry about it when it's time to go to bed.

3 - Listening - I like to think i can be a good listener.  It's something i've always enjoyed; Helping other people.  And i think people know that.  If they are having a problem, it seems like they can come to me and open up about it and release all that.  I think i'm so good at it because, for the most part, i'm not going to judge you for anything you're doing.  I've made mistakes.  I've done bad things.  The only things i'd judge you for are things i'd have to report you for, ya know?  All the horrible words, like rape, abuse, murder, etc.  Other than that, rant away.  I'm here.

And this is where my mind blanks out.  I'm sure it's a problem with self-esteem, because even though I'm hella better than i was a few years ago, I still have issues.  Sometimes i feel like people don't want to hear about me and what's going on in my life.  Or that i'm not quite good enough, and i always need to be better.  So if i can think of the other two, i'll come back and edit.  But until then, this is what i've got.

I'm thankful for the people who accept me for who i am, and who help me grow stronger and more self-sufficient in everything i do.  :)  You guys are awesome.