I realized I need a place to put lots and lots of positivity. A place with a lot of light, to remind me when I'm stuck in a dark place. So, I wanted to make a thread where we can all put the very best things about ourselves, and we'll bump it whenever necessary to keep it on the front page. The words "conceit", "vanity", and "pride" go in the trash in here. Toot your horn as loudly as you can, so you can go back and see how much goodness there is. I want this to be a well you can go to when you feel empty and need to refill yourself. Reread it over and over and believe that the things you wrote here are so so true. You are wonderful - you wrote so many reasons why. And the people who encounter you see that too!

If you don't feel ready to do this, just feel free to read others' posts until you are. Let it heal you to know that the world sees your light very brightly.

I'll start. How am I blessed and incredible?

I have scads of people who love me:

My husband, who thinks I'm beautiful 30 pounds heavier than when he married me, who is still turned on by me, who can spend days in a car and not get bored with or annoyed by me, who's seen the worst sides of me and still thinks I'm someone absolutely necessary to the world.

My nephews, my goddaughters, my students, lots of coworkers. My parents, my sister, my in-laws, my grandmother (and my grandparents in Heaven), my aunts and uncles and cousins...

I have a bigger group of friends than I've ever had in my life: friends through my husband's work, his school friends, my school friends, his college friends, friends I met through theater, friends I met through my sister-in-law. The fact is, these people seek me out. Most have seen me at my worst - doing or saying really embarrassing things, or being stupid or mean or grumpy. And yet they still invite me to do things with them, include me in their lives, and want to be a part of mine, without question.

Why? Because they know something I also know. My default setting, the who I am without even trying, is great. I am honest and kind, sincere and genuine, a bit too naive and trusting, compassionate, warm, funny, generous to a fault with my time, money, listening, and skills. I'm intelligent and witty and clever. By the time I've thought about maybe lying, I've already told the truth. I'm approachable and open, sensitive and creative. I believe in what is right for people, and I fight for them. I am fiercely loyal, and people who feel vulnerable naturally gravitate towards me because they know I will be gentle and nonjudgmental and I won't laugh at them. I am wise and curious and I love to learn. I'm an excellent communicator and great with languages. I am good to children and animals and nature.

I have a house of my own that I've made a home with my husband, my pets, and my friends. It's full of memories and photographs and pet hair! It has a pantry that's bursting and room enough for anyone who needs a place to be. It's safe and warm and happy, and has seen many gatherings of people who enjoy its ambiance and comfort - made in part by the quality of its owners! ;)

When I write all this, I see that this is so much bigger than IF. It's so much bigger than whatever issue is bringing me down today. THIS is me. Yeah, I want something more. But knowing I have this as a constant makes things okay. I am so incredibly worthy. Whether I bring new lives into the world or not, I bring myself. And that's a lot.

So, what about you? How are you incredible?