Ten things to remember....

Susanne, a wonderful blogger on whose blog I've been lurking (aka 'admiring from a distance') tagged me for the "ten things I like about me" meme.

There are times when something comes along, just as it should. Since I've spent the past few days in some fairly serious self-criticism, it's a good thing to remember the gifts we've been given, too.

So I've decided to do this.

I am also going to tag some people. While this is not typical for me, it's evidence perhaps that I am willing to have my ideas challenged and I am willing to change my mind when it's appropriate. In a discussion on this topic, someone mentioned that tagging can be used as a welcoming tool, too. That's a valid point and I have decided to tag some people whose blogs are new to me, new to my sidebar, and a few people who I haven't seen do it yet.

And that is number one... one of the things I am grateful to be. I am open-minded. I'm willing to change my mind when presented with new ideas.

Number two: I like the fact that I am fiercely loyal to the people or principles I care about. I will step up to the plate when necessary and defend someone, even if it costs me something.

Number three: I like that I am willing to dig beneath the surface of my own behavior and examine it for things that may be hurting others. And I'm willing to change.

Number four: I like that I apologize easily ~ and mean it when I do. I have no problem admitting when I've been wrong.

Number five: I like that when I love or like someone, I do it with a wide open heart that is just so willing to admire, to respect and even occasionally adore.

Number six: I like that I came out of the desert without so many broken and jagged pieces that I was unwilling to ever trust again.

Number seven: I like that I have a very accepting spirit, that I don't need to pigeonhole people. I accept you as you are ~ as you say you are. I am non-judgmental. Someone doesn't have to be like me, think like me or view the world the way I do and I can still admire and respect that person.

Number eight: I like the fact that I have been able to embrace my own eccentricity. I like the fact that I now see it as a positive thing instead of something to be hidden and denied.

Number nine: I like the fact that I don't hold grudges. It just doesn't seem to be a part of my being.. and I can't even quite grasp what it would feel like.

Number ten: I like that even at my age, I am willing to completely uproot my life and head off to my spirit's home, knowing that it is meant to be, that I can have that faith in my path.

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Now for the tagging:

Bohemian Girl: You are fairly new to me and I'm just getting to know you through your writing on your blog. I like your inherent peacefulness.. your caring.. and your gentleness. Thank you.

Mitzh: I love the little glimpses into your heart that you share with us. I love the fact that you are able to see the universality of our experiences.

Flutter: I love the openness with which you share your experiences. I love the fact that you are so willing to do this without fear ~ and it allows us to know you and our admiration to grow every single day. And trust me. I think it's a good time now for you to do this. Just as a reminder to yourself of how blessed and wonderful you truly are.

Anvil: Every time I come around your site, you give me a glimpse of what a good man is all about, what masculinity is supposed to be. For this sometimes rather cynical woman, you have no idea what a gift that is. Just because my comments are infrequent, don't think for a minute that I don't admire you. A lot. I'd like to hear what you like about yourself.

Jen: You are one of the most "together" people I've ever known. While I am not one to be effusive and obsequiously admiring (at least not openly), in your presence, I often find myself doing just that. You are such a gifted leader and an evolved human being. Since I am old enough to be your mother, I can say this: If I'd had a daughter, I'd want her to be you. I don't really care if you do the meme, although it would be nice. I love the way you present these facts about yourself.

Susan: You are such a clear-thinker and such a faithful friend. There is no way in the world I will ever be able to really thank you for that. With your quick wit and obvious intelligence, you are a teacher for me. All the time. I would also like to hear ten things you like about yourself. I want to know if they match the things I like about you. :)

I could go on tagging forever ~ but I am going to stop here so that I can save up some for the next time.

Thank you, Susanne, for thinking of me. And thank all of you for constantly keeping me on my toes.

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