This post will help me add to my self worth tank and hopefully adds a little bit to the others in this photo. Who all happen to be bloggers (at least the ones you can see).

This was taken at breakfast in Altamonte Springs, FL the morning of October 24, 2009.

From left front, clockwise to right front I will now exact my tank fillage:

Me, Poppy: You are beautiful, mad intelligent, quirky, and helpful. You actually genuinely care about other people but know when it’s a really good idea to turn away from things that are toxic. You love your wrists, your button nose, and your funny Buddha belly. Your hair really is gorgeous, it doesn’t need to be red for people to love you. It does not define your worth. What’s on the inside does. And what’s inside of you is a treasure that keeps surprising me daily. Keep on surprising me, kid.

Dawg: You are always there for other people. Always. You speak your mind, you don’t care what other people think about you, you drink girlyie coffee and don’t care, you tell me my cooking is yummy even if you don’t like it (tofu!), you take wonderful care of our kids, you work so very hard and do amazing stuff in your field that makes me proud to even know you, let alone be your girlfriend.

Finn: You are so incredibly sage. I turn to you when I need advice. You are beautiful on the inside and out. You aren’t afraid to say out loud something that might not be considered socially acceptable, or if you are afraid then you do a great job of hiding your fear. You admit when you are unhappy and that makes you even more loveable. I look forward to seeing you whenever I know we will be in the same place. I often forget you don’t live here with me, and think so fondly of our time together at Pinch and S’mac and the bagel place. I just adore your presence, no words need be exchanged. You make my heart sing by just being you.

(I am skipping Mister. He is awesome, but I think he’d prefer that I NOT embarrass him on the internets by calling attention to him.

Robin: You have gone through a lot of shit in life and you still come out the other side a strong, confident woman who doesn’t take anyone’s bullshit. And on those vulnerable days when you’re beaten too far down you tell us so we can help you crawl out. It takes so much strength to ask for help. You are so strong. You are an amazing person, so intelligent, so strong in knowing you deserve respect and to be treated well and like a fucking human being! And I love that you laugh at stuff that old ladies don’t understand. I love that you really want to get laid and consider marrying your laptop. I love that you just randomly start dancing to “Freak of the Week”. (Did I mention you are strong? I did? Oh, ok.

Rachel: You have fantastic boobies, you are an incredible aunt to Princess, you magically have the most awesome home despite having the shittiest job on the fucking planet, and you are doing something to better your life instead of letting that shitty fucking job tear you into oblivion. Courage, bravery. Also, guys, she has fantastic legs. If you’re a boob or a leg man… c’mon. You amuse me by trying to plan out every minute of life, and I know I tease you about that, but I’m a jackass to you and you still love me for it so that makes you extra awesome.

Kim: I had no idea who you were before that weekend. I just didn’t know anything about you. And the person I met was confident and open to people despite having gone and going through some seriously horrible shit. You had me at corn beef hash (which you know I hate). You are so charming and genuine and fun and beautiful inside and out. You deserve very good things in your life, and you make those good things happen. I admire your strength.
I admire your courage. I admire how well you have it together, but when you’re having a tough time you say something so your friends can help you through. Thank you for being you.

Ren: I was wrong about you when I first met you. I didn’t know you so well and I thought you were a stalker so I was very guarded around you. And I definitely do feel bad about that because I tried again to see your awesome qualities and realized that you are an awesome father and husband, an amazing photographer, a genuine friend with a pure heart (no stalker in there, just an actual nice guy, which is bizarrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee, I mean, who’s a nice guy anymore?! YOU!), and you have your friends’ backs.

These people are family to me.

There are so many more people to boost in life. Keep passing on the good stuff, people. You build up your self worth by finding the very best in others. I promise.