For this week’s writing challenge from The Writer’s Post, we were asked to write something to brag about. While this might seem somewhat odd coming from me, but in actuality, I find it difficult to brag, toot my own horn, give myself a pat on the back or do the dance of joy simply because I have accomplished something. Maybe it was because I grew up in an environment where I was encouraged to “be seen and not heard”.
I’ve always been pretty shy truth be told. I’m more of a behind the scenes kind of person. I’m the one that hangs out in the shadows wishing I could be in the spotlight. I am a strong support person. At parties, I’m the one usually standing near the wall holding it up. People walk by me but don’t stop to talk to me. I guess I am pretty invisible because I don’t make a lot of noise. This type of life allows me to be a great observer of life.
As a kid, I grew up in the country so I had a limited number of friends. I didn’t have any graduation parties and I think that I had one birthday party thrown for me by the two neighborhood girls. As the only daughter, I had a fair amount of perks though. My parents took me out to dinner, and to some really cool plays (I really loved the theater.) Mom would always make me my favorite birthday cake and I got some really nice present growing up. My parents bought me just about everything I ever wanted. I had my own room and my own color tv and stereo. I was fine and happy with my life.
It wasn’t until after college that I really wanted to be on my own and have more control over my life. I wanted to make my own destiny, but it was a struggle to become independent. Everything, and I mean everything, I gained seemed like it was only after a hard fought battle. I don’t regret any of it. Surviving these moments so long ago really helped me get through the last couple of years. I am stronger and more confident now because I have developed a deeper sense of myself and my capabilities.
Don’t get me wrong though; I still have moments of self doubt and inadequacy. People still seem to know how to push my buttons and make me feel bad about myself. Just the other day, I was advise to not let the negative things that other people say get into my head. Easier said than done, but the more I work on making that happen, the easier it becomes.
So what do I have to brag about…I guess it is the fact that I am a survivor and that I made it this far without too many scars. That’s a pretty good accomplishment. I’m happier than I have been in years, and even though it seems like I missed out on a lot of life, I figured out that I am now, finally, at the beginning of the rest of my life. I have so many things I want to do, I feel like a kid in a candy store. What do I do first?
I think the best thing to do is just wake up every day and decide then. Best thing is to just enjoy and savor each day. How about you?
Wishing you moments of
This post is written for The Writer’s Post Blog Hop# 37: A Page from My Brag Book. Interested in learning more, please check out the link below!
Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at [email protected]. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!