10 Things I Like About Myself

If someone asked me to make a list of what I like about myself, I might hesitate at first. It’s not something most of us do very often. But there’s real value in pausing to acknowledge what’s good, solid, and true about who we are. Here’s what came to mind for me.

1. I am open to life and willing to try new things.
2. I have a deep capacity to love my family and my friends.
3. I tend to make the assumption that I will like most of the people I meet.
4. I love to learn.
5. I am trustworthy.
6. I love writing—both the noun and the verb.
7. I genuinely like hearing about other people’s lives.
8. I believe in a power greater than myself, whom I call God.
9. I am enriched by literature, music, and art.
10. I love being physically active and relish hands-on work.

12 Things I Love About My Life

After thinking about what I like about myself, I turned to what I love about my life. This list reminded me how much there is to be grateful for—and how the small, everyday details make up a deeply meaningful whole.

1. Living a life that is rich, varied, and full of surprises.
2. Having a deep connection to my family and close friends.
3. Having a church home that serves as an extended family.
4. Working with my writing students, which is enriching both personally and intellectually.
5. Having a husband who pushes me to grow and also accepts me just as I am.
6. Having the opportunity to restore historically interesting houses, including our beloved Victorian in Texas.
7. Owning an orange grove in Ojai, California, where we live outdoors much of the time and eat the sweetest oranges around.
8. Living close enough to my kids and grandkids that I get to see them regularly.
9. Having people in my life whom I trust and who trust me.
10. Having a writing life and writing friends who share my passion for the written word.
11. Having a deep spiritual life that nourishes me daily.
12. Having a wide-ranging network of friends who keep me optimistic about life and this world.

When I look at these two lists together, I feel a sense of gratitude. They remind me that joy doesn’t come from perfection or grand achievements—it grows from connection, curiosity, and love. Sometimes we only need to pause long enough to notice what’s already here.