At church this last Sunday, the pastor told us a story about how a man walked into his office years ago and said he wanted to kill himself. The pastor asked him why and he was met with many reasons – recently divorced, financial issues, his job is stressful, etc.
The pastor shared with us that he cut the man off after him listing about five bad things in his life.
In the story, the pastor got out a piece of paper and a pen and told this man “You are going to write down 100 positive qualities about yourself. If you can’t, then we will talk about suicide”. The pastor started numbering the paper 1 to 100 as the man shakingly started to share phrases like “well… I guess I’m funny”. The pastor wrote down “funny”. Then the man said that others have noticed he’s done nice things for them- “Kind”. After a few more traits were identified using this pattern, the man started rambling qualities left and right and the pastor had to keep up.
And before long, the pastor said “STOP… You are at 90. Take this paper and hold onto it. Write in the last ten by yourself.”
The man moved away, remarried, and had kids. The pastor had a conference in this new city where the man was years later and the man approached him after, pulled out the crumbled paper from his wallet and showed the pastor the last ten (good husband, great father, provides for family, etc.).
Wow. Powerful! Here is my 90….
- Kind
- Selfless
- Compassionate
- Smart
- Funny
- Original
- Beautiful, but
- Humble.
- Ambitious
- Ability to persevere
- Ability to endure
- I fight for what I believe in
- Sound morals
- Passionate
- Goal oriented
- Courageous
- I do not judge
- Trusting
- Trustworthy
- Honest
- Well-versed
- Respectful
- I’m proud but not boastful
- Loyal
- Devout
- Emotionally Intelligent
- Huge heart
- Empathetic
- Responsible
- Good fur baby momma
- Good god-child momma
- Good friend
- Fabulous best friend
- Adventurous
- Daring
- Athletic
- Hobbies- basketball
- Hobbies- hiking
- Hobbies- camping
- Hobbies- baking
- Hobbies- writing
- Hobbies- poetry
- Hobbies- yoga
- Forgiving
- Accepting
- Loving
- Strong willed
- Self-disciplined
- I support two others on my income
- I am providing a roof for eight animals and two people
- I influence healthcare change everyday
- Hmmmmm…
I got to 52 tonight…. there may be more to come?
Of course! I want to see yours even if it isn’t 90! And of course! – I have bad days like everyone else when these parts of me may seem nil and void.
Nice post. Thanks for sharing your list.
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This is a great post 🙂
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very interesting post. I love this idea of a list. I’m not sure if I can find 90 things, but I will try…
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I believe in you!
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Thanks. I’ve started already:
1. I’m a kind person.
2. I’m friendly.
3. Approachable
4. Compassionate
5. I have integrity
I think I can find a few more…
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See. Everyone has something. I think we just overlook how amazing we may be 💕
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I thought of one on my way to work “good/respectful driver”
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Wow! Very inspiring and what a great tool for people who may be struggling with these types of issues. By the way, thanks for visiting my site. I’m glad I paid you a visit.
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