If I Were A Different Kind Of Girl
I’d have a tan all year ’round. And no eczema.
I’d wear a size 4 pants.
I’d love exercising and be training for a marathon.
I would hate cheese. And cream. And chocolate.
I would be a beautiful dancer.
I would have beautiful, natural fingernails instead of the crooked growing mess I have on my hands.
My house would be sparkling clean all the time.
I would throw caution to the wind, quit my job and try out for American Idol or a Broadway musical. (Maybe both.)
I would be less easily offended.
I’d say exactly what was on my mind to idiotic people.
I take that last one back. I’d say exactly what was on my mind to everyone.
I would have unending patience.
I’d find a way to tell today to f-off, give it the finger and transport myself to tomorrow. Because, you see, tomorrow is going to be a better day. It’s going to be a beautiful, sunny, amazing day. A day where I remember that as I have grown, I’ve become a pretty amazing girl. Because I am the kind of girl who
Has great taste in shoes.
Was blessed with beautiful, thick, straight hair that looks good long. And as much as I long for curls, I wouldn’t trade it.
Is learning to love exercise and am loving the way I’m feeling now that I’m doing it consistently.
Has a totally awesome job.
Lives in a beautiful, comfortable home.
Won’t ever have suntan wrinkle-leather skin.
Has Marilyn Monroe-esque curves, and is proud of them.
Learned how to cook and eat healthy and still like my food.
Still occasionally eats junk food and loves it.
Married an amazing man who will always take care of me and love me, not matter how many times I am awful to him.
Has an amazing mother who taught me to take responsibility for my actions.
Has a brilliant father who always told me I could be whatever I wanted. And I still believe him.
Has awe inspiring siblings.
Gets to call the most amazing, hilarious women in the world my best friends.
Has empathy and understanding for others.
Cares immensely.
Loves deeply.
Sometimes it helps to take a break from my crazy day and remember that no matter what kind of girl I wish I could be some days . . . no matter how badly I stumble in my quest to be a better person, I actually like who I have become as I’ve grown up. There was a time where I was the kind of girl who couldn’t find anything about herself to like. I’m glad she’s gone. I like the girl who took her place. She’s someone to be proud of.
What about you? What qualities about yourself are you proud of?
katelin wrote,
Well said Kate, well said.
If I were a different kind of girl I would just up and move to another state because I could. And then I would hop on a plane to Italy and not know what to do when I got there. I would also love to work out and would have some sort of self control when it came to anything sweet. But alas I am not like that and won’t jet set randomly any time soon.
But I’m quite alright with that
Link | April 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Wickedly Scarlett wrote,
This was so fantastic!! I’m the kind of girl who is going to steal this post idea in the very near future!!
Link | April 23rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Girl, Dislocated wrote,
Another inspiring post.
I’m going to take the honest route here and admit that I am no where near attaining the level of contentment with myself that you’ve attained with yourself (and it has nothing to do with EDS). However, I will take credit for making some progress in that area over the past couple years. For one, I was actually able to list some qualities about myself that I like in response to your prompt, and even though they were immediately followed by doubts as to whether or not I embodied the qualities enough to rightfully claim them, being able to list them in the first place is a step up for me. And while I’ve yet to wake up and feel like my good qualities outweigh my bad ones, at least now there are days that I wonder if that’s truly an accurate assessment.
Link | April 23rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
TheBakersRock wrote,
That I still have you as a friend…
Link | April 23rd, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Rhonda wrote,
I love you- I’m proud of you, and proud that I can call you friend!!
Link | April 23rd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
verybadcat wrote,
I’m proud of my resilience and determination. I think that I’ve done one hell of a job playing the hand that I was dealt in life, and I’ve never given up or given out. My sister told me once: “When you say you’re going to do something, you make it happen sooner or later. You get what you want, even if it takes blood, sweat and tears.”
Of course, you could also say that I am horribly, horribly stubborn. Two sides of the same coin, I’m afraid!
Link | April 24th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Jessi wrote,
You inspire me.
Link | April 24th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Jewels wrote,
That we have been through EVERYTHING together - and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am a better person because of you! You are incredible, and I am so happy that you are realizing how amazing you are. Does this mean I am tagged in a way? Hmmm, better start thinking….
Link | April 24th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Bryan wrote,
Mostly, that I’m so damn… I got nothin’ Kate. I’m vicious, petty, vain, and self-interested. Vindictive when slighted, proud at all other times.
But I have a wife and daughters. So I’m fated to be a Mr. Bennett I think. I’ll need to learn to be long-suffering, kind, wise, firm when necessary, and for survivals sake, aloof. This is impossible…
Link | April 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Luisa wrote,
Kate, you are so fantabulous!
Link | April 25th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Alison Wonderland wrote,
I love that your list of things that you like (or at least are at peace with) is so much longer than the things you wish. that in itself is an accomplishment.
I am good at my job. I look fantastic for a girl who had her 4th baby 5 months ago (if I do say so myself). I have great hair. My kids are all still alive. So is my husband. My 4 year old memorized all 13 articles of faith…
Apparently I’m having a good day b/c I’m not having trouble with this. See me in a week when my bi-polar swings the other way.
Link | April 25th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
RisibleGirl wrote,
What an awesome post! I love it when people are able to acknowledge the good pieces of themselves and understand that it’s perfectly healthy to do so.
Good for you!
Link | May 3rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Brillig wrote,
Um… good things about me? Obviously– I have excellent taste in friends.
Link | May 5th, 2008 at 3:55 pm