Sometimes, the way we see ourselves is wrong.  Occasionally, we think too highly of ourselves, but more often than not, we don’t see how good we really are.  We hold a measuring stick against ourselves that describes all the ways we think we should be—skinny, muscular, successful, married, high-paying job with a 401k, house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, at least one car (ideally two or three), athletic, good looking, perfect hair, perfect skin, perfect ears (I don’t know—maybe you have a thing about your ears)….the list could go on.

When we hold this imaginary measuring stick and scrutinize all the things we think we’re not, we miss all the things we are.

Let me tell you something:  You are really great.  Not just in that silly “everyone is great and so are you!” kind of way, but you are great—by yourself, as yourself.

You need to read these words.  But don’t just read them, let them sink into your very bones and believe them.  It’s a journey, and trust me, I’m on it with you.

The world has enough people who don’t love themselves, don’t believe in themselves, don’t think themselves worthy, and don’t see their own goodness.  Real talk:  when I measure myself against my failures, mistakes, and the things I think I “should be,” I’m one of those people!

And that’s not healthy because it’s not true.

If I were to go to your friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers off the street, and asked them to tell me what is good, holy, and beautiful about you, they would give me lists a mile long.  I would have to cut them off because they would have thousands of things to say about you.

If all those people can see what’s good, holy, and beautiful about you, why can’t you?

If all those people can see what’s good, holy, and beautiful about me, why can’t I?

Let’s make a deal.

Every day for the next week, let’s write at least five different things that make us good, holy, and beautiful.  Write about your skills, your looks, your personality, your ears—I don’t care what it is, but if it’s good, holy, and beautiful, write it down.  The only rule is that you have to do it every day, especially on days you don’t feel good, holy, or beautiful at all.  It’ll probably start with things like “I’m smart,” or “I’m organized” or “I have pretty eyes,” but I have a hunch that the longer we do this—the longer we celebrate ourselves—the more we’ll find things worth celebrating:  deep, abiding, wonderful things that are imprinted on our very hearts.

This starts with just a week, but pretty soon, I think it’ll become a lifelong habit.  Soon we’ll see that all those people who love us so much are actually right.  We’ll see and believe that we are, in fact, truly worth celebrating.

P.S.:  I know this is kind of cheesy.  I’m well aware of how ridiculous it sounds and feels.  But if you don’t start celebrating yourself now, when will you ever?  And besides, what do you have to lose?

P.P.S.:  If you’re feeling extra brave with me, let’s post our five good, holy, and beautiful things in the comments below!