(no subject)

[katwrites]

My thanks to newbabel for the seed of this.

"We are what we repeatedly do." Aristotle

So what am I? Here's a list based on the last year, and some of the people who have helped me grow:

• I'm willing to dream and go after that dream tooth and claw. This year, I've finally learned that quitting is the hardest and the best choice for some dreams. I've applied that lesson in at least three tough situations this year; last year, I would not have had the grace. Kudos to Mike for telling me after the second one that even though I felt like my whole world had derailed he could tell that it was only a bump in the road on my way to where I'm meant to be. You were right.
• I need to write, but I don't always recognize the itch for juggling words for what it is. misia has helped me by example, putting words--sometimes eloquent, sometimes raw and awkward--to the gory and the glory in her life.
• I've got a good gut instinct and I smother it too often.
• I don't understand romantic love, but I like talking about it and reading about it. As long as I can do those two, I can live moderately content without firsthand knowledge of it.
• I have trouble remembering that getting As and being somebody special are not the same thing.
• I can and do make people laugh. Sometimes, I use this as a defense mechanism.
• I am resilient. I bounce back.
• I procrastinate the little stuff, but somehow, the big stuff happens on time. My parents deserve gold medals for living with me while I try to become less sloppy in my daily life.
• I am frustrated by people who are not skillful at using words to express themselves and their feelings, and often discount these folks as stupid and bad choices for friends. Matt consistently proves me wrong.
• I consistently underindulge in vegetables.
• I often set out to befriend people because of what they can do for me. Once I have made the effort to see the best in someone and get to know them, my original motivation of wanting something for myself is always overpowered by my desire to do what is in my power to give them joy.
• I am prone to self pity-parties; they are usually private affairs.
• I put my health first. I often feel guilty for doing this.
• I underestimate how much other people value me.
• I am a complex person with a huge range of experiences and everybody in my life seems to know a different limited cross section of them. I frequently surprise people, even those who know me best. For example: my parents actually did a financial self-help program that was popular but generally got dusty on the top shelf in other people's lives and the three of us have since shown up in related stories in several national publications and in a follow up book that profiled families that succeeded with the program.
• When I smile, I light up my surroundings. I smile a lot.
• I like to do the kind of little things that can turn a someone's lousy day into a good day.
• I give excellent presents.
• I say, "I was wrong," out loud at least once a week.
• I give myself tough challenges and beat them.

If I am my habits, I am pleased by what I am.