Two weeks ago, we asked readers to flip their gratitude — and spend some time pondering a quality or habit for which they'd like to thank themselves.

• Why it matters: Most of us spend more mental energy dwelling on our flaws than our strengths. But taking some time each day to focus on our best qualities can build confidence as well as resilience.

Here's what readers across the country say they appreciate about themselves:

👶 "As one of two full-time working parents with an 11-month-old son, my husband and I are constantly exhausted and feeling inadequate in all dimensions of our lives! I should thank myself more often for doing my best during this totally crazy (and wonderful) stage of life." —Cassie Thomas, Portland, Maine

🥋 "I am grateful to myself for starting the study of Taekwondo as an out-of-shape 52-year-old. It has been a balm to the soul and boosted my health and self-confidence immeasurably. I will be testing for my second dan black belt next week at age 68, starting with a two-mile run and finishing with a four-board breaking kick." —Don Williams, New York, N.Y.

🛠️ "I want to thank myself for being the handyman for my daughter, my neighbors, my friends and my church. It's a small thing for me, but sometimes much more for them." —David St Hilaire, Atlanta

🩺 "I thank myself for being an extraordinary caregiver during my husband's multi-year cancer journey. We tried to leave no stone unturned to create the best possible health journey, physically and emotionally." —Jane Anderson Beach, Edmore, Mich.

😆 "I am grateful for my sense of humor, and remembering to make my own fun, whether it's a pun inside my head or an unexpected quirky comment." —Nancy Dotter, Wyomissing, Pa.

💰 "Thank you, Tom, for bypassing those unnecessary purchases in your earlier years and instead, investing in yourself via 401K during your entire career. Your investment reward is to travel as you want and use your free time to give back to others." —Tom Freeberg, Gainesville, Fla.

😎 "I'm pretty good at being really happy with what I've got! In all my 85 years, I've never obsessed over what other folks have and I don't. That's the superpower that lets me fly!" —Bonnie Elliot, Wauwatosa, Wis.

🫂 "I thank myself for being a good friend to others. I'd love to have a friend like myself." —Amelia Gaillard, Jacksonville, Fla.

This vivid sunset, reflected in Virginia's Smith Mountain Lake, was snapped by reader Harry Price.