I love myself.

Beautiful Cyn had a link-up on Valentine's Day, where you were supposed to blog about loving yourself (and not just show your love for others on this day). I really wanted to participate, but being sick I wasn't up for writing. Now that I am, I still want to do it.

I love myself. I have always done that, despite being overweight most of my life. I have been lucky, I never tied my weight to my self-worth or the ability to love me. Because frankly, I'm a decent person. Maybe you're not supposed to say that, but I think I am. I'm not perfect in any shape or form, I have made horrible mistakes and hurt people countless times. I have lied, deceived and broken trust. I have done all the bad things people do within reason, but I'm still okay. I have written about how I was broken, and how I found change in my life - all tied to love and self-love. That post was probably the single most eye-opening (for me) post I'll ever write.

I love that I treat my family and friends with respect and love. I tell them that they matter. I make notes and cards and send to people to let them know that I care. I'm always here for the people in my life, whenever they may need me. Be it a phone call at 4am, or if they need to get away from problems in their lives, I am here. My friends know that I will offer all the support I possibly can, and then some. I am an extremely loyal friend, and I don't break trust anymore. My friends know that I will tell them the truth, despite it not being the appropriately sugar coated answers others give. I am proud of that. It is the reason why many don't like me, but this is what I am. When everyone else is telling you what you want to hear, I'll tell you the truth. And to me, that is worth something.

Friends!

I love that I'm taking care of my health. After being less than a priority for years, it's finally changed. I've always wanted to be fit, to be able to do what everyone else can do. I used to dream of being skinny, but I've learned to accept that that's not going to happen for me. But I can be normal. I can have a healthy weight and be comfortable in my own skin. That's enough for me, it really is. I love that I have 60kgs / 132lb of muscles in my body. I am strong, and I am only getting stronger. I love that I can hike increasingly tougher mountains and trails, and I love that I will make 2012 the year when I climbed all the big mountains in my county.

Hiking glory!

 I love that I have a positive attitude. At least, I think I have. I deal with obstacles and challenges, and I never let them hold me down or weigh on me. I always find a way. Such as with the horrible pain after my surgery. I perceive myself as a solution-oriented person, both in my professional life and at home. I have never had a fight with my husband, because we both find it in ourselves to choose to not misunderstand, to always assume the other acts with best intentions at heart. My attitude says compromise, rather than "my way", but it also says that I have to be heard. Basically, I love myself for the way I approach things in life. I wouldn't ever want to change that.

Positive!

I love that I care so much. When something catches my attention, it roots in my heart and I am forever committed to the cause. This is why I decided to become a teacher. To me, teaching is an act of love. I can change lives. And even if I at the end of the road have changed the life of only one child, that is enough. I will always fight for the kids who need me to, and I will push them as hard as they need to be pushed. I will make them feel like their 8 right answers out of 10 was close, but not enough - because they can do better and we both know it. I will make them feel like their 4 out of 10 was amazing, because for that child - it was! I will help them understand the weird looking letters, help them see how words are formed and make sense. I will introduce them to an entire world of stories hidden in books. I will make math seem like something they can do! I will teach respect and dignity, I will preach love, compassion and kindness. I will make children from minorities feel like they belong in my classroom too. I will see, really see, each child. I will terrorize parents and make them step up! They will be held accountable, and I will never ease up on them until they follow through. I will have spare lunches for those who don't have parents that provide, I will have spare dry clothes at hand, I will call their homes at night, I will remember what is important for the children and I will never fail them. If only one thing is certain in their uncertain worlds, it will be that their teacher cares. And that she will always care.
That is one thing I love about myself.

This was about why I love myself. Now I want to strongly encourage you all to write a post, or share in a comment, why you love yourself. In general, or on your weight loss journey. If you can't think of anything, think harder! ♥