This is such an incredibly difficult post to write. Not because it is making me face up to a powerful and traumatic memory, but because it is not in my nature to self-congratulate. Most people are the same.
I discussed this with the Year Four class that I teach on Thursday mornings in my R.E. lesson. Their task was to identify their most positive personality trait, their 'gift from God'. I warned them that it was difficult, however I was pleasantly surprised how easy they found it to do. Within two minutes we had post-it notes all over the white-board with a range of personal qualities. Some of them were unrepeated: unique, thoughtful, and one child wrote weird; whilst the vast majority of the class opted for caring, kind and helpful. I Found it really interesting that not only do they perceive themselves as that, but that's what they wanted others to see in them.
So if children can do it, why can't adults? I know it's in our nature to be self-deprecating but not this time!
The lovely Michelle over at MummyFromTheHeart has decided that we all need a little positivity and congratulations in our life. As I look out of the window at the dull, grey weather brought to us at this miserable time of year, I am inclined to agree with her that we need a way of lifting out spirits. In the lady's own words (please excuse the editing):
"…an email I received a few years back … was about the power of positive affirmations and how knowing what positive things others think of you can boost your own self-esteem. It talked of an inspirational teacher who got all her children to write one positive word down to describe the other children in the class and then they had to hand them in. The teacher then collated all the positive words for each child into a special sheet for them and handed it to them to read and keep. They learnt that their peers saw them in ways they had never imagined and it had an immense effect on them…
Well, what about if us bloggers and virtual friends did something similar? How marvellous would we all feel to learn these new facets of ourselves that we did not know existed… If people are kind enough to give us a compliment we should be gracious enough to accept it…. and why not go one step further and actually go out and ask for it?
Well that is what I want us all to do. I am creating a meme, called the 1 Word Meme and I would love for every one of us to be able to collate all the the positive words left by our real life friends, virtual friends and fellow bloggers so that we each have a sheet of positive affirmations to treasure and boost our self-esteem."
Then she tagged me. I am incapable of saying no to someone if they ask for help or ask me to do something. It comes from my need to be thought positively. Therefore you'd think tagging me would be a good thing, it may affirm my need to be liked. Here's the killer though, <shhh> what if no-one likes me enough to respond? (Excuse me while I hyperventilate a second).
So here's what you have to do:
– Just write one word in the comments box below to finish this sentence off (and please be nice, or I might cry)
TheBoyandMe is…
And because this is a meme I have to tag people and challenge them to do the same. So I challenge you:
Please be kind to me.
Honest
I like to think so, thanks.
Caring
Thank you 🙂
Giving
That's a lovely thing to say, thanks.
Inspirational
Wow, really?! Thanks.
Advisor! x
Consultant mummy on hand
Supportive.
Thank you! Just think of me as a bandage 😉
Friend ( A new mummy blogger friend)
Thanks 🙂
Thank you for that. Reading it bought a tear to my eye and I do not know why. My grandson is in year 4 and so I see how he thinks and how kind and thoughtful he is. Your post reminds me to be a bit kinder to myself by focusing on my good qualities.
Thank you for commenting 🙂 They are so lovely at this age, treasure every second.
Creative.
That one makes me very happy. Thank you!
On the ball! I know that is more than 1 word but it is one phrase. Another I thought of for you was tip-top.
Yo always appear super organised and on the ball!
Mich x
Super-organised? Have you seen my ironing pile?
Reliable (I know that sounds a bit boring but reliability is one of the qualities I value most in a friend!) x
Not boring, I think reliable is very important too so thanks.
role model – I would like to be as good at writing as you and to have as much of a positive impact as you do. I wanted to use inspirational but someone beat me to it x
Good lord! Thanks Jennie!
Unimitable! (did I get that right? I know it's a bit of a cop out as you said it to me but it's totally true. You are one in a million and I can't sum you up in one word so I'll use all these and then the teacher in you can whittle it down (this may be why my reports used to read 'unable to follow the simplest of instructions!!)
Kind
Caring
Amazing
Reliable
Inspirational
Always right
Modest
Original
Supportive
Motivational
Encouraging
Beautiful (I'm not a lezza honest)
Honest
Funny
Hilarious
Friendly
Sensetive
Open
And we are back to
Caring
Amazing and
One of my
'besties'
Thank you Lexy! You've chosen so many lovely qualities, I feel wowed!
I wish hubby would realise that I'm 'always right' 😉
(Inimitable)
Likeable 🙂
xxx
That's brilliant, thanks!
encouraging
That means a lot, thanks Alyson.
talented
Wow! Thank you, that's really kind!
Lovely!
Same to you!
interesting!
Not in a quirky way though? 😉
That Mammwoo is naughty (but lovely). she is allowed to break the rules on my page – I'm mischievous! So I shall be here….
You are a WittyChattyCheekyChummyLovelyHonestCaringMummy 🙂
You're both allowed!
Thanks chick!
Friendly
You've all been so kind. All of those words mean an awful lot to me, especially as I always seem to be searching for affirmation!
Thank you!
Nurturing xx
Sorry I'm late – been very busy but thanks for the tag will get around to it asap!
Unique! Your blog is so unique compared to some of the blogs out there! I very much enjoy reading yours! And of course the blog name rocks! ;o) x
True
Strong
thanks for doing mine too 🙂
Honest. At least that's the way you come across! Maybe it's a whole persona, but your writing comes across as if you're laying down your thoughts and experiences.