If you fail to validate yourself, not too many people are going to be bothered to do it for you.

So, if you are waiting on other’s to do it for you, your disappointment will come in huge spades. Everyone else is busy trying to get on with their fabulous lives and you will surely be left in the dust with your esteem shredded and battered.

We have a saying that goes’ the Agama Lizard fell from the palm tree and landed on his feet. He looked around, but no one applauded him, so he gave himself a good nod and a praise.‘

To appreciate and show yourself some love is not being, arrogant or proud. It is knowing who you are. Embracing and owning yourself. If you fail to be able to acknowledge your good sides, or those things that you’ve done well in, then how sincere is your appreciation of that which is done by another?

A lot of people feel embarrassed when complimented or commended and I wonder if at the back of their minds whether they only hope for criticisms and put-downs? Putting ourselves down and short-changing ourselves does not make us a better person, it actually makes us appear unsure of ourselves.

Please note, that there is a huge difference between having a modest sense of humour by being self-deprecating from undermining your good qualities in order to appear humble. It may not serve you well.

I have always said to myself, if you’ve earned it, Jacqueline, wear it with grace and joy. Appreciating yourself is not conceit.

Sometimes, I am my own worst critic especially when it comes to achieving set targets. I can cut the slack for others, but not as much for myself, then again, I find it very easy to laugh at myself.

However, I never fail to recognize some sides of me that has served me well over the years.  I try to do everything with my whole heart. Loving with all I can love with. Executing any responsibility to the best of my ability. I always come in the first three when it comes to Team lead/player in my work place. I am a very dedicated and focused person with a good sense of responsibility and I believe in getting it done.

I get on easily with people and over the years I find myself growing more and more tolerant of people’s shortcomings. I don’t take offence easily.

Above all of this, I honestly value my sense of peace, stable mind and contentment. I have no idea how it all started, though I strongly suspect that my upbringing as well as my spiritual growth has a hand in this.

I hardly ever catch myself wanting material things that I cannot afford. They simply don’t move me. I am very, very thrifty, but not cheap.

I would rather work hard, save and get the best that I can, rather than a cheapskate that will break the next day. It’s almost tough to make me covet my neighbours goods with a jealous gleam in my eyes.

You can trust me with a Million dollars and not a dot will be found missing.

Yes! I said it and you can take it to the bank. I have integrity!

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

The Daily Post prompt Toot your horn.

Most of us are excellent at being self-deprecating, and are not so good at the opposite. Tell us your favorite thing about yourself.