I’m So Proud Of YOU
And you should be too!
When was the last time you told someone you were proud of them? How about the last time someone said they were proud of YOU? Is there a time when you have said “I’m so proud of you” to YOURSELF?
These days, it seems that we as a society spend a lot of time focusing on what is wrong with people. The wrong opinions, the wrong diets, the wrong attitudes. Negativity is rampant in the media and also in the people around us. I propose to start a new movement where we express our pride in the people we see and interact with every day. Not just for big accomplishments, but for every day tasks that maybe weren’t so easy to get done. We never know how much someone may have struggled just to get out of bed in the morning. And put on pants. Come on!! That’s amazing - I’m so proud of me! (They may be sweatpants, but they aren’t the same ones I slept in, so good job!)
Sometimes we are taught that it’s not ok to be proud of yourself. Pride is the deadliest of all the sins. The root of all evil. In being proud of oneself and others, I am not talking about the egotistical pride that leads to the destruction of lives and nations, or the pride that prevents people from asking for help or talking about their problems. I am talking about self-worth, self-confidence, and seeing the good in any situation. I am talking about lifting each other up with accolades and love. Realize that you don’t have to be an award-winning author or Olympic athlete to be worthy of praise and recognition.
You! Over there with the carload of kids, drinking homemade coffee from a beat up travel mug. I see you - you’re doing great! I’m amazed that you can get everyone where they need to go without losing your shit. I know that you got up at 5am because someone was coughing, and you had only just gone to bed at 2. I’m so proud of you for persevering and taking care of all the little humans.
To the person who chose to call in sick to take a mental health day. I’m so proud of you for recognizing the need to look after yourself! Sometimes a day spent sleeping in and binging on Netflix is better for you than the daily grind. And to the other person who chose NOT to call in sick because they have a lot to do at work and don’t want to fall behind - I’m proud of you too! Weighing the pros and cons of your decisions is never easy, yet you did it. You came to a conclusion and made a choice. And you can feel good that you won’t have an even bigger workload to return to.
To the lady parked next to me in the school parking lot frantically texting on her phone- Guess what? I am doing the same thing as I write this piece. I wonder what or who you are writing about. I see you reading and scrutinizing your phone. Maybe you are learning about the power of mindfulness. Maybe you are checking out pictures of your friend’s new puppy. I am proud of you for taking the few minutes you have to yourself and making the most of it.
To the boy sauntering out of the school and looking for his parent’s car - I am so proud of you for going to school today. You have your backpack slung casually over your shoulder and look calm and relaxed. For all we know, you were so anxious to go to school this morning but your mom forced you to get up and get dressed. You ate some toast. Brushed your teeth. And you went to school. You stayed all day. You succeeded. Very good job! I’m so proud of you!
To the woman with her greying hair in a messy bun, wearing the bright coral sweatpants. I see you sitting in your car, pondering your next sentence and writing on your iPhone directly to this page. I see you doing things messy but forcing yourself to find the inspiration in every day life. You are tired. You haven’t gone to work in over a week because sometimes life is just too much to handle. Yet you still made meals for your family, drove your daughter to school and dance practices. You still went to the grocery store and got cat food. I’m so proud of you!
Next time you are sitting waiting for something to happen, look outside yourself and observe those around you. They could be total strangers or someone you may know. Give their day some consideration. Put yourself in their shoes, just for a minute. What could they be proud of today? Imagine what they might say that YOU could be proud of today! Give yourself a pat on the back. You are living life, going out there are getting things done. You are looking out for yourself and your family. You are a part of your community. You are a valued person on this planet!
I am so proud of all of you, and you should be too!
About the Creator
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