The Whole 9 Yards

Daily writing prompt

What’s the trait you value most about yourself?

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This question comes at the perfect time. I just started graduate school last month, and one of my first assignments was to ask ten people to share a moment when they felt I was at my best. Reading through their responses was humbling, emotional, and eye-opening.

A word that came up again and again was resilience. Looking back, I think that’s true. In my 27 years, I’ve lived through many different versions of myself, and in each season—good or bad—I’ve managed to make the best of it. My mom’s response especially stayed with me. She wrote:

“She manages difficult times with grace and without flinching. She will always make her daughter feel safe, loved, and understood. It’s inspiring to watch how she balances her own needs with those of her daughter, Mia. I see her love in the way she patiently explains things to Mia and the way she always seems to know when a hug is needed more than anything else. My daughter Margaux, kind, resilient, brave, loving, passionate.”

Reading those words from my mom reminded me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through. It’s also about love, grace, and the quiet ways I show up for the people who matter most.

Another theme that surfaced was my kindness. My best friend recalled the time I joined UNICEF, and she wrote, “helping others is at her core.” That line touched my heart. Although kindness subconsciously drove my decisions and actions, I never really penned it in the beautiful way that she did. I realized she’s right, helping others is at my core. Another best friend of mine, with honesty I truly value, said: “She sometimes is too kind, so people take advantage of her.” Then he added, “But to their surprise, she is also not one to back down.” Period. That second line is a story for another time.

Those two words—resilience and kindness—feel like the heartbeat of who I am. They show up in the way I parent, the way I love my own parents, brothers, and friends, the way I work, and the way I fight for what matters.

I’m beyond grateful for the people who truly see me.

I am so happy that resilience and kindness are the traits people see most in me, and I’m excited to grow into them even more fully.