28 October 2011

Yeah, I'm Pretty Cool

Welcome to the I Love Me! Carnival!



Oddly enough, I’ve always liked myself (and still do). I say this is odd because just about everyone I know has something she desires to change about herself, no matter her age or status in life. I’ve never really felt this way, which is probably weird, but since I have such a high respect for my body and myself, I hope to develop this in my children before they begin heavy interactions with others.

I have never had many issues with self-image in my life, though I did dabble in a few unfortunate practices during my early teen years. This was more about an attempt to sympathize with the individuals who did it for other reasons and understand the methods for which people engage in these activities, than me actually doing it to defile my body. I’ve tried to do “bad” things to myself before, but find I just can’t. In all my years of living, I have only changed my hair once (in terms of its color) when I had a friend put highlights in it. I hated it and haven’t done anything since.

Obviously, I’m not telling you that coloring your hair is bad (even though most methods are just heavy chemicals that I wouldn’t wish on anyone); it just isn’t my thing. I truly, honestly like myself just the way I am. Why? Because I have a deep, heavy belief that I am the way I am for a reason. I was made this way, exactly, in order to serve some purpose in this world. If I was made on purpose, why would I want to change anything about myself?

It is this belief that I wish to instill in my children. They, too, were made they way they are purposefully and as they are, they are perfect. When they grow up knowing these facts, they will develop the same self-respect that I have. When one has such a degree of self-respect, one is far less likely to engage in any activity that will harm one’s body-temple. Most of the time, I think I’m pretty cool and I desperately hope that this “coolness” will rub off.

other carnival participants:




  1. I *love* the simple and powerful message you've shared! How can we impart to our children that they are beautiful and perfect, if we're constantly picking at ourselves?! Thank you for making that connection, I know it will speak to people.

  2. I think you're pretty cool, too, Amanda (FWIW)! I love your attitude and perspective with respect to your self-image. The way you describe it as being "made this way on purpose" really resonated with me, and I'm going to remember that concept when I find I'm getting down on myself for one reason or another. I know you're well on your way to teaching your daughters this way of seeing themselves!

  3. That was great, Amanda. Simple, clear and inspiring. Great post!

  4. I had to come here first as soon as I had a chance because we titled our posts so similarly.
    I love what you wrote.
    I'm really curious about how your felt growing up and how much positive reinforcement your parents gave you. Basically, do you have this depth of self acceptance "in spite of" your childhood, or partly because of it.
    I believe you came in with a lot of this self knowledge, but environment can do a number on even the most enlightened souls.
    Your children are really fortunate to be able to bask in the coolness.

  5. Thank you so much! :)

    Teresa, my mother was always, always, always encouraging to me, telling me I'm beautiful, smart, powerful, etc etc my whole life. She constantly reinforced those ideas in me (maybe because my parents divorced when I was little? maybe just because?) so I did have it as a part of my upbringing.

    On another note, I do feel that I have a great sense of inner peace. I've been unable to do many things before simply because I follow my inner guidance so deeply and intently and I cannot go against it. So yes, I do think I came with peace already, and my mother helped maintain it.

  6. This is really awesome Amanda. So few people, especially women, really truly like themselves. They forget that we look the way we look because that is how we are SUPPOSED to look. This idea that changing who we are, who God made us to be, is such a ridiculous one and one that is only getting more and more complex and being driven home to a younger and younger audience. Good for you for being a powerful and authentic role model for your girls.

  7. Its so great to hear somebody who is so at home in their own skin. I firmly believe that your kids WILL pick up on this and be self-confident too. Well done! :)

  8. Wow - how did I miss this carnival post? So awesome Amanda - I can feel your sense of peace and purpose radiating as I read this. Yeah you are so very cool.

  9. I'm often incognito, Terri, so many things are easily missed :) That's because I'm so cool.