I Am Thankful for Who I Am

By Susan Tolles

The holiday season us a time when we gather together and focus on the things we are grateful for, such as family, friends, our home, our freedom and our abundant provisions. Around the globe, the holidays bring a nostalgic time when (hopefully) we slow down to take in what is really important in life—not the “stuff,” but the relationships that make our lives so rich.

Before you start thanking others for what they mean to you, consider this……

I recently saw a list compiled by a friend filled with “I am” statements. It was so inspiring that I decided to try it myself.  Focusing only on the positives was a bit uncomfortable because my self-critic kept trying to say “hmmm….not really” when I would list certain things.

When I finished my list, I read it through a few times and felt a wave of confidence and gratitude flow over me. How seldom I really take time to honor the special gifts I have been given, acknowledging the way I have grown into the magnificent woman that I was created to be. As often as I have offered to show the way for others to embrace their own unique gifts and bloom, I rarely take time to appreciate my own fragrance.

Before you express your gratitude for others, take some time to honor yourself for the amazing woman you are. Start with “I am…” and, with your own self-critic locked in a closet, see how many ways you can define yourself. Focus on your goodness, your beauty and your strength. Be thankful for who you are, knowing that these gifts and qualities make you uniquely you. Read your list out loud! And when someone thanks you this holiday season, soak it in and believe what they say!

Here is my own list, one that I consider “incomplete” because I am still growing and allowing my gifts to shine:

I am a Christ-follower

I am a loving wife

I am a great mother

I am a wonderful grandmother

I am blessed by family and friends

I am a blessing to others

I am an inspiration

I am wise

I am intelligent

I am sensitive

I am creative

I am positive

I am resourceful

I am strong

I am persistent

I am successful

I am a life-changer

I am confident

I am nostalgic

I am faithful

I am thoughtful and kind

I am a servant

I am generous

I am loved by others

I am beautiful, inside and out

I am worthy

I am respected

I am a saved by the grace of God

I am an excellent writer

I am an inspiring speaker

I am a very good friend

I am a leader

I am a team player

I am humble

I am proud

I am a visionary

I am fun

I am joyful

I am grateful

What are your “I am” statements?