I don’t think we ever outgrow the warm-feeling response we get when someone says they are proud of us. Pride, though, is something that’s supposed to come from the inside. We’re supposed to be proud of ourselves!

Are you proud of yourself? Did you just think, “Not me – I’m not proud!” I know pride is one of the seven deadly sins, but I think the word has become devalued and misunderstood. Jane Austin said:

“Vanity and pride are different things, 
though the words are often used synonymously.
A person may be proud without being vain.
Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; 
vanity, to what we would have others think of us.”

When I was growing up I learned it was not attractive to brag about myself, or to  boast about my achievements, but I think I understood that to mean it was not good to be proud of myself, even in my own head!  Sure, nobody likes a braggart but in not acknowledging my own gifts and accomplishments, I may have become more than a little dependent upon the affirmation of others. This meant no matter how well I did, if I was not acknowledged by people who I respected, I would not feel proud of myself.

No more!

We need to be proud of ourselves, when pride is warranted, and I suspect, if you’re anything like me, it is warranted a lot more than you realize! I bet you too, often forget…

• how far you’ve come
• how much you’ve accomplished
• how many obstacles you’ve already surmounted
• the courage involved in doing what you’re doing
• the stamina and determination it takes for you to not quit

I’m not advocating egoism, but only a healthy recognition of your efforts, your  courage, your determination and your achievements – big and small.

Do you wait for someone else to acknowledge your accomplishments and your gifts in order to feel proud of yourself? Do you pat yourself on the back often enough? Are you as proud of yourself as your best friend would say you should be?

photo credit: pjs 2005