Who I Am

I recently deleted Timehop off of my phone, so in an attempt to create some new memories, I bought this 5 year journal that had been burning a hole in my Amazon wish list for far too long. I really like this journal because it asks you a specific question each day, versus just having a blank space for you to write whatever you want. I've been writing in the journal for about two weeks now and have been enjoying ending each day by filling it out once I'm settled in bed.

The questions have been pretty light so far, but last night I flipped open to the appropriate question and felt startled by what I read:

In case you can't read it, the question for August 6 is "Who are you?"

I've been struggling a bit with my identity lately, so it was pretty eye opening when I felt like I didn't know what to write here. I notice that when I go through times of transition my self esteem takes a huge hit, and honestly, it was hard not to fill the four lines with negative things about myself. That inner mean girl has been gone for a while but she's found a way to creep back into my brain lately. Sometimes it's really hard to shut her off, but all I can do is remind myself of what I know I am. I have to refuse to define myself by the situations in my life that I cannot control.

So who am I?

I am a good sister, daughter, and friend.
I am a hard worker.
I am kind and compassionate.
I am a good listener and advice giver.
I am sensitive.
I am a reader.
I am a runner and walker and exerciser.
I am open minded and accept others as they are.
I am intelligent and curious.
I am funny.
I am excitable and emotional.
I am loving.
I am honest, loyal, and trustworthy.
I am thoughtful and practical.
I am always looking to improve myself and my relationships.
I am (sometimes) wiser than my 26 years.
I learn from my experiences.
I am strong and able to get through hard times.

I must remember: these things remain in me no matter what challenges I'm facing. This is who I am.