On Pride

The idea that pride is a sin, at this moment doesn’t make sense to me. How can it be a sin of itself? Pride for me comes after an accomplishment and should be enjoyed. It’s a sense of relief, a joy radiating throughout the body and soul as you have done something positive. It is the sense of being impressed by yourself and often comes at the end of a hard journey, one you weren’t sure you would achieve.

It is that moment where you can’t feel anything other than contentment because of your effort. You put in the work to get to where you are! Well done. You should congratulate yourself! Pride is something that no one else can take away. It is internal and you should rejoice because you are amazing.

To me, pride is the acceptance of myself fully and completely. I don’t care if you want to argue that they are the same words because I’m genuinely in a place I can love everything about me. There is still a lot I want to do, but to have gotten to where I am now is something. It’s easy to forget how far we have progressed when we just focus on the next steps. This is part of being mindful and kind, appreciating all that you are.

It seems strange that I’d write a post simply to say I love myself and that I’m a proud person. I am. I think that we are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we are not enough. We need to do better, aim higher, look better, compete etc… all this is fine if that’s part of who you are; but if not, then it impacts your internal growth and your ability to be everything you are meant to be!

What are you meant to be? You are meant to be you! You are a perfect being in all of your quirkiness. The only reason you are taught to doubt so much of yourself is that it makes a profit for others. Self-hatred is the commodity of the beauty industry, of consumerism for if you aren’t proud of yourself, you find other ways to fill in the gaps. You start comparing yourself to others, rather than self-acceptance, and this way madness lies.

Pride comes from every step we take toward our goals, however big or small they might seem to someone else. I believe it’s very much tied in with gratitude and how in synch your behaviour is tied to your wants. Everyone has a different path to take. Pride in your actions and accomplishments is a wonderful feeling! If we are honest, we are unable to be anyone else so it’s a waste of energy not being your authentic self. Be proud of who you are, what you have achieved and enjoy the person you are becoming. Sometimes this can be the hardest of tasks, but everything is possible and you owe it yourself to delight in who you are.

Also, don’t be a twit!