Monday Listicles time! This week it’s “10 things you are proud of.” My first draft included why I’m proud of several people (my kids, husband, sister, and brother), but then I re-read the list suggestion and noted the word “things.” So being proud of myself is harder. Here goes:
1. Anytime I stretch myself or step out of my comfort zone.
2. Surviving a childhood full of surgeries (and some bullying).
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| Miyajima, Japan |
3. Going to Japan (when I was 21) without knowing any Japanese or what the hell I was doing and with only 1 month notice. Also traveling on my own to China (taking a boat from Kobe to Shanghai, and getting from Shanghai to Chengdu, where my sister was studying).
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| Festival in Japan |
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| Mike| (April 1987–when our romance took off) |
4. Meeting and marrying a wonderful man and partner for life–and being happily married for nearly 23 years.
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| Chris in the NICU (with a beanie bear) |
5. Surviving 117 harrowed days in the NICU with my marriage intact and in fact, stronger than before…also being involved in cofounding a nonprofit organization to help other NICU families, Precious Beginnings, which Mike is still volunteering with.
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| Photo by Capturing Magic Photography |
6. Raising kind, sensitive, and creative boys–the world needs more of those!
7. Accolades I get at work from my clients–makes it all worth while when I do good work and help someone else look great…and others express their appreciation. Also writing for our company’s Sustainability Report and for our Environmental Management System…making a difference in the world.
8. Writing awards I won last year–especially one out of only 100 APEX Grand Awards (out of 3,400 entries), for a presentation about readable communications, about which the judges said, “An exemplar of how-to communication, in which clear, well organized and informative copy gets the point across with liberal use of well chosen visual examples. Really a first rate effort, and worth bookmarking.”
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| Photo by Capturing Magic |
9. Supporting my family–although sometimes I wish I were the stay-at-home parent or worked for myself, I know that my personality is better suited for working outside of the home, with deadlines! When we got married nearly 23 years ago, I told Mike I’d support him for a year. I feel fortunate that I have a job I find challenging and fulfilling, and that Mike enjoys being a stay-at-home dad/writer. I’m still hoping he makes his millions one of these days so I can retire early!
10. Promoting a spirit of reconciliation and justice…whether in my own life or in the world. Forgiving people, moving onward and not holding grudges, and reconciling when feelings are hurt. This is truly a challenge, but worthwhile.
Thanks to Stasha at The Good Life for sponsoring Monday Listicles. Check some of the other proud moments out at her blog.
Every Day Is a Miracle 