How to impress someone
How I did it: My parents are impressed with me.
My dad has told me for years that I and my sister are representative of his entire self-worth. He can't believe he had anything to do with bringing us into existence. He feels so incredibly lucky to even know us, let alone be our father.
My best friend is impressed with me.
She has told me for years how much she admires my involvment, committment and achievement in everything I do. She still isn't quite able to fathom how I juggle all the things in my life and remain functional, much less succeed so exceptionally in all of them.
Somehow, this wasn't enough for me.
I thought I needed somebody else to be impressed with me. I needed somebody who didn't know me to be impressed. To look at me and see the things my loved ones see.
In truly becoming comfortable and happy with myself, I've realized that outside people may not express the things that my loved ones do, but that doesn't mean they don't take notice.
Ultimately, it is more important and more rewarding to be impressed with myself.
Of course, it's reassuring when those who are close to me say these things. But I feel just as good, even better, when I look in the mirror and think, "Wow, I'm beautiful." Or when I get my report card and think "I really am smart." Or when I see somebody acting in a less than desirable manner and think, "I am mature and rational. The epitome of an old soul and it's wonderful."
Because I believe in myself, I realize when people, close to me or otherwise, point out and reiterate the positive things I feel about myself and my life.
