8.12.2008

CHALLENGE.........be

This will be brief. Keeping on theme with my post yesterday and last week's challenge, it is a good week to just.....how do I put it?.....just breathe.......be........be happy with who you are today.

I first titled the challenge "just be." Then, I realized that is exactly the problem. We all often see ourselves as "just" a mom. "Just" a wife. "Just" single. "Just" fill in the blank.

Challenge......be

There is no "just" about it. Each of us, each and every one of us, are amazing. Amazing as we are today, right now, in this very moment. You are amazing. You just have to recognize it.

I am obviously all about finding little ways to improve myself. But, for today, this week, I can take a break from improvement, and try to be happy with who I am and who I want to become.

Can you? Just for now?

Consider it a vacation from challenges. Summer is coming to a close and we all need a little R&R.
Leave a comment and you are in for a prize. The winner will receive a $20 gift card for the restaurant of their choice. There is nothing like feeling amazing about yourself while eating equally amazing food. Contest is over at Saturday's end.

The only catch? There is always a catch. Your comment must begin with the words "I am amazing because"

59 comments:

  1. I am amazing because...I had three kids in three years and survived a major blood clot after the last one and I treasure everyday with my kids (I also shower everyday and to me sometimes that is pretty amazing Ü)

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  2. I am amazing because...I am absolutely content to be a wife and mother. I just had my 5th baby in a town where people really look down their noses at you for having more than a couple of kids. For them, life is all about the career or the travels around the globe or the big houses. I am fortunate to have realized long ago that MY dream is to do what I am doing. If I achieve nothing else in this life, I will leave this world knowing that I did what was most important to me and I will have NO regrets whatsoever.

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  3. I am amazing because...I have endured graduate school with my husband while trying to obtain my own degree and raise 3 daughters, one who was born in all this craziness. I moved my family to a foreign country without knowing a single person but immediately felt like this was home (isn't the LDS church great for fulfilling this?) I love my job as a mom, wife and taxi driver in this foreign land!

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  4. I am AMAZING because... I can turn to a pantry and have a full meal cooked with no preparation. I can invent good tasting food just by taking a few cans from the pantry. And since I cook, the kids want to cook. At 3 and 4 they love to help and I am never without a helper since I am so amazing.

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  5. I am amazing because....I'm a super great friend! I always remember birthday's, I always remember to call, and I am always thinking of special ways to let my friends know how much they mean to me. I'm a super friend!
    i love your blog. it's just what i need...

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  6. I am amazing because I changed 6 poopy diapers yesterday all from 1 kid!

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  7. I am amazing because I finished grad school, went on a mission, and am content even though I'm not a mom and am still single.

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  8. Great challenge!
    I am amazing because... I am a homeschooling mother of two beautiful, smart daughters and an happy, in-love wife of a hard-working hubby!
    I also have a crazy dog THAT IS STILL ALIVE! (That's amazing enough!!! LOL)

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  9. I am AmAZinG because I get things done. I take my calling as wife, mother, Valiant 10 teacher, friend, sister and daughter to the next level. I remember important things (anniversaries, birthdays, etc)and make sure to let them know we are thinking of them. I am amazing because I cook, clean, nurse my kids back to health, and do whatever needs to be done because I am amazing and I am me. (BTW, this was one the hardest challenges..thank you for it!)

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  10. I am amazing because I was willing to take on a summer babysitting job that left me with almost zero free time.

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  11. I am amazing because I never pass up the opportunity for a snuggle.

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  12. I am amazing because my house is a lot cleaner than it was yesterday.

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  13. I am amazing because...I continue to fulfill my church calling as choir director even though I really don't like it one bit. And I started my own hand stamped jewelry business this year! (Wow, this was a hard one!)

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  14. I am amazing because... I handle more from my kids in one trip to store than most people could handle spread out in a week! My children are a challenge, and I feel so blessed that the Lord felt me capable enough to cherish their specialness, and that he also have me friends that help when my kids have been a little "too special". :-)

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  15. I am amazing because I am potty training my son and canning at the same time! Crazy...yes!

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  16. This one is extremely difficult for me. I have had some trials over the last 3 months, but things are getting better. One of those trials has been feeling like I'm a failure as a mom. Nothing MAJOR has happened, it's just my own feelings of inadequacy and guilt that I am working on overcoming. NEVERTHELESS.....I am amazing because...yesterday I installed a speedometer on our 4-wheeler all by myself...and it WORKS! I do like to be independent and try to do things myself instead of being 'prissy' and having my hubby do it for me. I helped roof our house this last spring, build our playhouse last year, and I'm not afraid of power tools :)

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  17. I am amazing because...I listen to others and their problems.

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  18. I AM AMAZING BECAUSE......I am a fulltime working mother of 7, with a baby who is just six months old. I chase from work to dance to soccer games, to swim, to baseball games. AND still manage to find time to cook dinner, do laundry, clean my house, fullfill a church calling AND...yes AND nurse, which some nights when I am up 4 and 5 times a night I wonder why. But I am AMAZING for hanging in there!!!!

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  19. I am amazing because...I managed to wrangle two toddlers by myself in a maternity clothes store and still find some clothes that fit. I made zucchini bread this morning, let my 3-year-old stir the batter, AND washed the dishes before leaving the kitchen. I got myself showered and dressed, and the kids' diapers changed and dressed, and all of us fed before 8:30am. I sewed a button back on my husband's shirt within 24 hours of him telling me about it.

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  20. I am amazing because...I am surviving my husband going to dental school and being gone all day everyday and am happily letting him go on a guys trip next week with his brothers...for 8 days!

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  21. I am amazing because I am me. No this is not a cop-out. I get too caught up in being Cody's wife, Allie's mom, Rachael's daughter, Maria's sister, etc. etc. etc. that I forget to just be me--Andrea. Thanks for the challenge this week! :)

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  22. I am amazing because... I didn't die yesterday after exercising twice. :) I am amazing because I am content living in this "dumpy town" (as my husband calls it) while he "does his time" (again, as my husband calls it) before moving on to bigger and better things. I don't have to spend my day doing glamourous things, spending money on stuff I don't need, or making sure I have my day planned to the minute in order to feel like I am a success. I can stay home with my Boys and be happy that we have a home. I can see that my husband may be working for a "dump", but he is working, and they pay him well too, and give him great benefits, so I can keep food on the table and take my Boys to their check-ups. I can see that we may live a thousand miles from anywhere, but when we go somewhere, it can become an adventure.

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  23. I am amazing because I actually got a shower before noon today, my house is cleaner today than it was yesterday,although it could be a lot cleaner but I took a break and played memory with my boys. And I didn't yell at my kids for hiding in the shelves behind the toilet paper at the store today. I calmly asked them to get out- and they listened.

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  24. I am amazing because I kept my cool while my son totally threw a tantrum during my daughter's open house. I am amazing because I woke up with a new refreshed attitude realizing that I can only work on how I handle him and not his reaction, that's his part. It is working and we are both happy.

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  25. Hmmm... I am amazing because.... I can clean my house very fast, wich comes in very handy when you have 3 mess makers.

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  26. I am amazing because I am a little talented in a lot of different areas; sewing, scrapbooking, beading, mothering, teaching, painting, and cooking. Like a jack of all trades, not specializing in one area.

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  27. I am amazing because I cleaned 3 rooms today and the house looks GREAT! (and it made my husband happy!)

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  28. I am amazing because I love my three kids and my husband so much! I sometimes forget that I can love myself too! Because I make dinner every night, even though I don't even really like to...I know my husband appreciates it, and someday my kids will too. Because I am a peacemaker in my family, and can bring people (even my kids) to see eye to eye. Just choosing to be a mom with your whole heart makes you amazing...and I have chosen to be a whole-hearted mom! I guess I am amazing!

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  29. I am amazing because. . . my husband and I have been living on next to nothing, and with his parents for 5 of the 8 years we've been married, and we still love each other. And, our kids are happier than ever!! Someday, some amazing day, we will get a real job, and our own house.

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  30. I am amazing because....I have four amazing children who drive me crazy at times, a husband who works on call all the time with weird hours and is gone two to three nights a week. I can get dinner made, cleaned up, kids bathed and still find time for myself. :)

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  31. I am amazing because no matter what happens during the day whether good or bad, at the end of it my husband and daughter still love me!

    Erin

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  32. I am amazing because... I'm a supportive wife. My husband wants to fish and hunt and do all those fun things while I stay at home and watch Connor. I don't mind cuz his time is coming when we are living on the beach and I wanna go play!! :)
    I am a great mom. I know how life is precious so I live it to the fullest...even if that means just taking a shower that day!

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  33. I am amazing because. . . I had four kids in four years and I still not only love but actually like them. I have a brilliant son with Asperger's Syndrome, a four year old daughter and twin two-year-old girls and I still find time to play with them all and get 'most' of my work done too. Because I have potty trained 3 of 4 kids. Because I finished my college degree while on bed rest and while putting my husband through law school. :)

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  34. I am amazing because....I always seem to keep the house neat & organized, even with 3 kids running around here!

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  35. I am amazing because....I work full time and still manage to do (almost) all of the regular wife/mom stuff. I don't see my hubby much because he works late nights and weekends. But I find comfort in knowing that I have a little girl who knows that she's loved, a hubby that adores me, and a house that is (usually) clean enough to have unexpected visitors pop in. :o) Moms rock!!

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  36. I am amazing because I am a Mom. I have 4 sweet children (ages 6, twin 3 year olds and a 6 month old). And even though some days I don't feel like I'm old enough to be a Mom, I step up to the plate every morning and try my very hardest to do the best I can. (Thanks for this challenge, it's definitely the hardest one yet!!)

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  37. I am amazing because I have recently started cleaning our Motel again because our cleaning girl moved. So I can clean total strangers nastiness every day, come home and clean my own families nastiness, and haven't complained once to my husband! I am also amazing because I just agreed to train for a triatholon with my friend and actually participate with her in it next year. yikes!

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  38. I am amazing because... I find great joy in the unexpected little things in life- the drawings my daughter pulls out of her backpack, and the way she explains her creations to me make me smile. I am a mother of two beautiful girls under 5, and can't wait to meet our newest heaven sent creation in October..I am having a baby boy! Families are amazing!

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  39. I am amazing because...i moved away from my friends and family days after having our first baby and we have somehow managed to make it 4 1/2 months now! Because I am losing my milk supply and I am doing everything I can to try to make it come back. Because my husband can't keep his hands off me even when I may not have made it to the shower yet :) AND most importantly because I somehow have won the love of that amazing man and our beautiful daughter. (This was by far the hardest challenge yet and I thank you for it. I needed a reminder that I'm not so bad.)

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  40. I am amazing because I am (with the help of their wonderful father) raising a Teen, Tween & a Toddler!!

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  41. I am amazing because...I make time for all of the important people in my life (including myself). I constantly make sure they all know (friends and family) how much I love them.

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  42. I am amazing because...I have broadened my horizon and have learned many new skills this year. I choose to be a stay-at-home mom and cook dinner every night and have a clean home. I am amazing because I am a happy mother and wife....

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  43. I am amazing because I am a good wife and mother. I don't always feel that way, but when I think about it: I have an awesome relationship with my wonderful husband, and my three kids are pretty cool. So I must be doing something right. Pretty amazing, huh?

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  44. I AM AMAZING BECAUSE..... (can I cry a little bit.)sorry have to pause for a minute.


    Its been a tough week.

    I AM STRONG. (Not because of myself or something that I did but because Heavenly Father has made me so.) I don't know why in the world this blog makes me so incrediably honest but it has so thank you for bearing with me through my melt down post. Thanks Camille. (I know that you are not a touching feely person but I love you and appreciate your friendship alot.)

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  45. I am amazing because.....I am making it all happen. It might not all be done today, but that is ok. I am fine with it. I get little by little done every day and eventually, I know it will get finished. I have doctor appointments, therapist appointments, kids to take care of, house to keep clean, laundry to do, and a wonderful husband to keep fed and happy. And it all seems to work. :)

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  46. I am amazing because I fed my 8 month old chocolate pudding in my living room and only got it on her face and my leg! (Thanks for the help on that one, Camille!)

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  47. I am amazing because...my husband just broke his ankle which means out of work for 6-8 weeks and Im still keeping a happy attitude and making jokes that we are poor. Which is ok as long i have my husband and 3 beautiful kids. that is all the matters.

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  48. I am amazing because I got an incredibly handsome, sensitive, hardworking, compassionate, strong man to LOVE ME...and... think I'm just as great! WOW.

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  49. I am amazing because . . . I am trying. And though I haven't reached every perfection in life I am trying to achieve, my house still has dirty areas (esp. when the kids are awake) , I still have weight to lose, and I am still trying to finish getting my business of the ground, I am trying. And though i haven't reached perfection today, each day I try to get a little closer and for that . . for not giving up . . . but trying to keep going in the midst of it all . . . I am amazing.

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  50. I am amazing because... I am finally stepping up to the plate and trying hard to be the right kind of mom for my kids. I'm learning how to say no and realize that my kids will still love me. I'm giving them the boundaries that they need.

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  51. I am amazing because I am a wonderful wife...I married a man..the love of my life. I knew we had different religious backgrounds. I was raised and active in the LDS church...he had no religion in his life. I knew, despite what others thought that he would join the church. After a year of marriage, he was coming to church with me on occasion yet didn't have much of a desire to have the gospel in his life. I, along with my parents, prayed and prayed that he would join the church soon. In April of last year, I, being 3 months pregnant, received a collect call from my husband telling me he had been arrested. I AM AMAZING because I continued to stick by my husband. I faced all the "looks" and "rumors" every where I went. For the next few months, I supported my husband more then ever. I saw him take a desire to change his life. He took the discussions and asked to be baptized. He read the scriptures with me everyday. I saw him pray for the first time in his life. Although, he was not permitted to be baptized until he "payed his dept to society," he continued to go to church, he paid his tithing. He realized what he truly wanted in his life, and he strived for it. In August of 2007 he was sentenced to one year in prison (even against the prosecuting attorney's recommendations..who recommended probation...he was a first time offender who committed a minor drug offense.) I was 6 weeks from giving birth to our first child. I AM AMAZING because I wrote my husband every single day. I drove four hours each way...every week to see him. I AM AMAZING because I gave birth to our daughter all on my own, without my husband by my side. I AM AMAZING because I did everything in my power so that my daughter and my husband could meet as soon as possible (lots and lots of paper work). I was told she would be 6-8 weeks before he would be able to see her. I made it possible in 2 weeks. I AM AMAZING because I then raised my daughter for 3 months of her life on my own. On Dec. 19, 2008...one week before Christmas...my husband was released from prison. Less than 2 months later...my husband was baptized. Next month my husband will be ordained the melchizedek priesthood. And on my daughter's 1st birthday she will be blessed into the church...by her father. And in Feb. 2009, we will be sealed together for all time and eternity. I AM AMAZING because I had faith, perseverance, and endearing love to stick by someone who needed it more than ever...and it paid off.
    (Sorry this is so long...I'm not sure how to shorten it). I really appreciate this challenge.

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  52. I am amazing because....although I have faced my hardships with 3 teenagers, a no-good husband I had to divorce, a dog that daily tries to get at the mailman, as 'a woman of a certain age', I have never been happier.

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  53. I am amazing because... well i just read through all the post for one thing.

    I have 5 funny kids, 18 - 6 and we still laugh hard everyday! And I've found time to do the things I love, like run in over 15 marathons, Start a business and to teach my kids they can do anything they desire.
    there is beauty in individuality!!
    Just be who you are!!!

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  54. I am amazing because... I have an almost 2 year old boy who helps me clean and cook, dealing with complications in my pregnancy, trying to keep up with house work the best I can and running a home based business with my husband. Also have an amazing husband who works contruction and home based business and is there for me especially with pregnancy complications and does the laundry for me since it's down stairs.

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  55. I am amazing because the other night I got both of my boys in bathed and in bed ASLEEP by 8:30, all by myself!!!

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  56. I am amazing because I was created in God's image and God is amazing. doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
    Elizabeth

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  57. I am amazing to raise twin sons, as a first time mother, full-time by myself while my husband pursued college all day and worked so I could stay home.

    This was against all odds and what this world values and supports.

    I am amazing because I loved this opportunity and still do.

    I am amazing because we have raised our sons just us - no parents, family near - i.e. no help - no nanny, housekeepers, etc.

    I am amazing because I love being a wife and mom regardless of the value that is put on an office job.

    I am amazing because Jesus Christ died for me and covered my sins so that I could be His child for all eternity. He is truly amazing!

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  58. I am amazing because...

    ...I had all 3 kids without pain meds or epidural. The first was induced with pitocin. The second and third were 9#1oz, and 8#15oz.

    ... I enjoyed living in a 75 year old fixer upper for 5 years. I learned to live in a construction zone without going crazy. We were able to live frugally and put $17,000 of materials and countless Saturdays into fixing it up. (On a grad stipend of only $20,000/year)

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  59. I am amazing because...I have 2 baby boys under two and I still want to wake up in the morning.
    ...I didn't have pain meds with either during labor, and my second baby was born just a month ago at home (with me standing).
    ...my husband tells me I am every day, and I believe him (I love that feeling).
    ...I really liked this post, and even though I'm probably too late, I decided to participate anyway because I feel so great about it.

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