Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Day 151 or I'm Good Enough...

Remember the old Stuart Smalley skit on Saturday Night Live. A 12 Step/Self-Help Junkie, Stuart would stare into the mirror and say, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!" As silly as it sounded, and as silly as he looked, there was great truth in his words.

Wouldn't it be great if someone followed us around saying, "You're good enough, you're smart enough, and doggone it, people like you"? I know I could use that. Because some days, I don't feel good enough, smart enough, and sometimes, despite all the wonderful people in my life, I do question if people like me.

I'm not sure why. No matter how much success I achieve, there always seems to be more I need to do. If there is any failing, I hyper-focus on that rather than seeing all that is working. It's like a child bringing home a report card of all As and one C and the parent not acknowledging the As and only criticizes the C. Except that I am the parent now. Doing it to myself. And in a room of friends and family, I will feel the presence of the one person in the room who doesn't like me. And fixate on that.

It's silly but it's worse than that. They say that children learn more from watching their parents than by what they say. So, I can tell my children that they are good enough, smart enough, and doggone people like them until I'm as blue as the bonnets for which Texas is famous but if they see those doubts in me, I am still hurting them.

So today, I'm taking a lesson from old Stuart in his v-neck cardigans and bad dye job (well, at least we have that in common right now!) and each time those doubts come bubbling up, I am going to tell myself that "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone people like me". Because it's not just about me.

And if you ever feel this way, too, do yourself the same favor. And in case you need a little help, I'll do it for you -- "You're good enough, you're smart enough, and doggone, people like you". I know I do.

26 comments:

Shelley said...

There are days when I wish someone would behind me...whispering that same thing in my ear :) Some days, mommies just need to hear that!

I'm a new follower from Mom Bloggers Club! I'd love for you to come visit me :)

Have a great night!
~Shelley

Amira said...

You. Are. Too. Cute. I love you! =-)

F said...

I like you! You are good enough, and people DO like you! If there is one that might not (and I truly couldn't think of a soul, not even REMOTE chance of thinking of a soul), then you know what? Pffftttt. You are good enough, You are smart enough and YOU like you. And that is more important than anyone else's opinion.

Sarah at The Stroller Ballet said...

It's so easy to have so much self doubt! I totally have days where I question myself.
Thank you for this post!
Now following from MBC!

Veronica Lee said...

Hi Traci! Welcome to the Friends Following Friends Club!

Veronica Lee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Veronica Lee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Veronica Lee said...

Hi again! Thanks for the follow. I'm now following your lovely blog.

tattytiara said...

You're perfect. You're one of a kind, so there's nothing in the whole world you can be compared to and found lacking. That is fact, my dear.

Joy@TPMG said...

Great post! I am now following from the MBC.

Traci said...

Thanks, everyone. Right now I am feeling the love. I will try to carry that with me.

You guys rock!!!
:-)

Betty Manousos said...

Traci, I speak the truth, You're one of the best, I love you , you're so honest and nice and kind and ...I 'd need tons of paper ..
You like You, and that's important!
Loads of lovexx

Formerly known as Frau said...

Loved that skit great message in there...thanks for the reminder! I'm trying to not care what people think...it's easier now because I don't know a lot of people here but sometimes I feel like I have nothing to bring to the table!

chitra said...

Great slogan, would certainly pep one up. I do it quite often and have learnt to shower praise on others too. If it can make some one feel good. why not?.

Paula Schuck said...

Hi there, just popping by from MBC and now I am following you too. http://www.thriftymommastips.blogspot.com/
and http://www.thriftymommasbrainfood.blogspot.com/

Love the SNL reference. That will stick with me all day.

Cheers, Paula

Lori said...

I always loved saying that to people. If they know where it comes from then they will laugh and feel better about themselves and their situation.

JaelCustomDesigns said...

{opping in from MBC! (FFF Club)
Now following you.

YOu c an find me at
http://www.jaelcustomdesigns.com

I love your post and this message is so true. I have a daughter in Middle School and I'm constantly trying to build her up. She's at such an odd age and children can be cruel. I have my share of doubts and insecurities but, I try not to show them. I guess I need to build myself up too! :-)

Corrie Howe said...

I agree that our children learn more from watching than from our words. I see it over and over and over again by the ways in which the mimic me.

Theta Mom said...

Self-doubt is like a cancer...it has to STOP! You're right, feed yourself those positive thoughts when you are feeling a little down!

Claudya Martinez said...

I've been quoting Stuart Smalley since I first heard him. He's wise.

furygirl3132 said...

New follower from MBC Friends Following Friends group, nice blog! Have a great night!

Eloise
Mommy2TwoGirls
http://mommy2twogirls.blogspot.com/

Nikia, May and da kids said...

Women beat themselves up alot for the slightest imperfections. I use to do it too, but the older I get, I think "I'm good no matter what anyone thinks." I hope that is something I have been able to pass on to my daughter.

You will be GOOD, with or without the approval of others and you just need to stay focused on being the best you!

May

Life Laugh Latte said...

We are hardwired to never be satisfied. What I know to be really true is this...God created you, loves you, and doesn't expect you to be anything more than you are right now. You are 100% lovable in His eyes. You can't earn it...you are already there. When I'm in that place you are now, I focus on those precious words. I remember that I put my trust in Him because it is safe to do so. And gosh darn it...I like you. Holly:)

Felicity Grace Terry said...

I think we all have days like this Traci but take it from me you are more than well liked. Warm, funny and caring to mention but a few of your attributes - you always brighten my day with your comments.

Traci said...

Thanks, again. I especially need those words right now. Also, a big welcome to my new friends.
:-)

Mama-Face said...

Oh, I live the kid thing everyday. I definitely don't live what I preach to them. Why is that I completely believe it about them and not at all about myself. Sad.

You're awesome. Take my word for it. :)