Toot your own horn

I feel like we live in a weird time where you can't say you're good at something without people thinking you're an arrogant bastard. I'm positive people are out there reading these blog posts thinking she thinks she's so good at this or that.

Well, yes, I do think I'm good at some things and I can confidently discuss those things out loud. And for god's sake I hope you think you're good at some things and can confidently discuss them out loud so we can join each other for coffee at the table of awesome.

I love when people are proud of themselves for what they've said, done, started, finished, figured out, worn, overcome, learned, forgot, whatever. It's powerful. It makes me happy to see other people kicking ass at life.

In my world, daily living doesn't mean minimizing accomplishments or hiding talents. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence, but as long you are aware of that line and stay on the right side of it, TOOT TOOT. No one likes a boastful Cha Cha DiGregorio saying she's the best dancer at St. Bernadette's, so don't break your arm patting yourself on the back. Otherwise it's not wrong to be pleased with progress and share achievements and milestones.

Many years ago, my friend Chris gave me a print with this on it. It's something I think of often and believe wholeheartedly. Read each line and really think about it:

Being humble and modest certainly have a time and place, but playing small doesn't sit well with me. I hate when I realize I'm doing it and I hate seeing other people do it. I don't want you to downplay your talents and I don't want to fight with you to give you a compliment. You're awesome. No I'm not. You are. I'm not. YES, YOU ARE AWESOME, NOW SHUT UP.

Women in particular often downplay their successes and deflect compliments. Why? When someone says you look good, did good, sound good, whatever...just say thank you. Don't devalue your work, change the subject, crap on your appearance, none of it. Just accept the compliment.

And moreover, accept your gifts. Acknowledge them out loud. Whatever it is, don't be ashamed to say you did it well. Acknowledging your strengths in a happy and productive way is not conceited or arrogant. It's honoring yourself and showing yourself some love. Those are never bad things.

I'm good at painting my own nails, cooking, being honest with you when no one else will be, organizing, listening, creating creative curse words, remembering song lyrics, and writing. How do you shine?

Linking up with Kathy for Humpday Confessions.

 Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday