Give Yourself a Pat on the Back

Don't Be Afraid to Be Proud

Congratulations to Me!

Too often we fear being proud of ourselves for the concern that others will see us as cocky or boastful. But there is nothing wrong with giving ourselves a pat on the back or hearty congratulations when we have accomplished something- big, small, anything! Today I am proud that I finished 3 credits this summer, got A's in all of the classes, and was able to make up some of the classes that I was not able to take when I took medical leave during the Spring semester. I had my ups and downs over the course of the last 12 weeks but I was able to overcome my challenges and moments of uncertainty. My weight fluctuated constantly and my mind was often filled with harmful or debilitating thoughts but I pushed through- I did it! And today I am not afraid to share with all of you that I am both amazed and proud of my accomplishments. I'm not concerned that you think I am bragging and I am not looking for praise. I just want to be able to share my happiness and sense of pride with all of you. I wish I could do this in my everyday life with friends but for some reason our society condemns sharing accomplishments with others. In school we are told not to share our grades. And as adults we often become embarassed when others speak highly of us to others when we are present. How often do you hear yourself saying "I am not really that smart" or "It really wasn't a big deal" or blushing and awkwardly laughing when receiving a compliment about your appearance, intellect, or abilities? But why? Why can't we be proud? Why should we have to hide our feelings pride and down play our abilities or successes? I am making the argument that we shouldn't have to! I have two quotes for us today the first is from Jane Austen differentiating between vanity and pride-

Silly man, pride isn't a sin, vanity is-

"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."

- Jane Austen

I like this quote because it offers a defintion of pride that allows us to feel less guilty or concerned about sharing that we are proud of ourselves or something we have done. It is one thing to be vain and another to be proud- it's all about intent. If we congratulate ourselves or share our accomplishments in order to reaffirm the way we see ourselves than there is no shame. While vanity is considered a sin I'd like to say that pride should be considered an important entity. The following quotes speaks to this notion-

"Having pride means we have a purpose, a meaning and an overall integrity. You have earned the right to be proud."

- Unknown

I think this quote truly says it all. If we have worked hard to achieve a goal than we deserve to  feel happy and proud about what have accomplished. Additionally if we feel that we are good at what we a do and who we are- mom, student, friend, teacher, sister, daughter, nurse- we should be able to feel proud about this identity or ability. These labels that define us give us a sense of purpose in this world. As a mom you love and care for you children in the hopes that they will be happy and good be people when they grow older. As a friend we listen, comfort, show loyalty and create a true relationship with another human. As a person we have a purpose in this world and there is no reason we should feel the need to hide our purpose especially if we believe we are great at it! Today recognize your accomplishments, your abilities, your personal greatness and give yourself a pat on the back. You're not being conceited, you're not being vain, you're being proud of who you are and what you do.

Don't be afraid to wear your pride on your sleeve,

xo

Give yourself a pat on the back- you've earned it!