Recently a friend of mine posted on his facebook page a list of his accomplishments, to impress that doing so is not an act of selfishness. I read his list and was so inspired that I went on to my personal page and created my own list. It was easy, I rolled it out in a few minutes. Then – I must have read that list I don’t even know how many times. Even I swelled up. I am very proud of myself. Why did I read it over and over? Because I felt excitement with my list. No feelings of being braggy or dramatic, no discomfort, nothing awkward feeling, no guilt, no need to hide anything. In fact I smiled – hard. And the thing about my list is these are my accomplishments – on the side. I did a lot of these things while in school, while working full time, and with many personal projects going.

Some moments (days, weeks, episodes) in life can be dreary. And too often it’s easy to focus on the icky stuff, even thinking we have to be better, or just get through it.

What if you wrote out your list today, and shared it with your most personal circle of friends?

When is the last time you invited someone to honor you – just because?

How do you think you’ll be received? What’s keeping you from writing it? Sharing it? How do you feel when you read your list? If you’re having trouble writing your list, it’s time to explore the reasons why you are struggling. I invite you to have a conversation with me about making your list.

Here’s my accomplishments list:

– I was a professional Polynesian dancer for 13 years
– I was a dj, have built stages and did lighting and sound for touring bands – in small venues, and also for concerts at stadiums
– I taught intrapersonal skills at UofMD for 7 years
– I taught adults a trade and was nationally recognized as an expert in my field for 5 years
– I delivered my nephew
– I broke my physical body in half (literally and unintentionally) and taught myself how to walk again
– I owned and operated a spa/wellness center
– my Spa had a 5 star rating and was recognized and published in a national magazine. Also won best of Baltimore awards 2 years in a row
– I overcame abuse, PTSD and victimhood and now I teach others how to do it for themselves
– I completely changed my life, started over from nothing after a traumatic life experience
– I have mentored survivors from abuse, trafficking
– I found my purpose in life
– I have been given a second chance at life and I’m making the most of it
– animals are my children
– I have repaired strained familial relationships
– I work in the healing arts and I help people change their lives
– I am an Ordained Priest
– I communicate with the other side
– I have slept in about 40 of the domestic United States
– I once exclusively spent a New Years eve with the New York ballet company

( Please feel free to share yours )