March 10th is the International Day of Awesomeness, a special day set aside to recognize just how completely awesome you are. The day was started by Kevin Lawver in 2007, and falls on Chuck Norris’ birthday because apparently Chuck Norris is awesome. While I can’t say I’m a big fan of Mr. Norris (no offense, his movies just aren’t my thing), I am a fan of complete and utter awesomeness.

Now technically, on this day, we’re supposed to celebrate our own feats of awesomeness, but I’d rather celebrate others. I mean, we already know how awesome I am, right? [Insert witty little laugh that indicates I’m joking, but secretly we all know that I’m being totally serious]. Of course, there are so many incredibly awesome people, places and things out there that it was hard to narrow it down. However, I think I’ve managed to break it into a few categories that include everyone that I want to celebrate.

• The blogging community- While there are way too many awesome bloggers out there to mention them all by name, the blogging community as a whole has proven to be  sheer awesomeness. While I originally joined different groups for networking purposes and to learn more about blogging in general, I stayed around for the sense of camaraderie and support that goes way beyond “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. I’d be lost without them!

• Independent authors– I’ve been lucky enough to work with numerous independent authors since starting Pretty Opinionated, and they definitely deserve a place on the list of feats of awesomeness. These writers not only pour their souls into their work of art, but also spend countless hours promoting themselves. I’m not saying they work harder than those who are backed by big names, but…well, yes, maybe I am saying just that. Not only do they have to be their own publisher and publicist, but they have to deal with far more criticism than those who have a team of outside help.

• People who totally get you. Let’s face it, we’re all a little skewed in some way. Some of us more than others. So when you find someone who totally gets you, neurosis and all, it’s pretty awesome.

• You! You are totally awesome. How do I know this, especially if I’ve never even met you? Well, you’re reading my blog, aren’t you? That makes you fantabulous in my book. Aside from that though, I think everyone has a bit of sheer awesomeness in them (well, except for mean people, they’re kind of lacking). So go out and celebrate the awesomeness that is you!

I’d love to hear your feats of awesomeness. Share them in the comments section, and don’t you dare say you haven’t done anything awesome, because there’s no room for modesty on International Day of Awesomeness!