Here's the thing: I think it's somehow immoral to be proud of someone else. For example, the way parents are proud of their children: it always seems to me that through their pride, they're trying to claim responsibility for their children's success.
Well, obviously that can't be the case, can it? No parent would be that horrible. People's accomplishments are theirs, not their parents, and obviously all parents know that.
I also don't understand why pride of your own accomplishments would be considered a sin. If you've done something great, courageous, wonderful, whatever, why shouldn't you feel good about yourself? Of course you should. Even if it's just the person you've built yourself up to be, you are allowed to feel proud of yourself.
Hence, a list - reasons I have to feel proud of myself:
- I've done hard things, such as gotten a master's degree from a university (one of the harder fields), worked on my limiting beliefs to a great extent (I didn't even have the courage to go to certain departments at department stores back in the day), demolished my neuroticism (for example, I used to think that I need to be of use to earn my right to exist), built a publishing company (and published a few books), and strengthened my confidence (you've no idea how insecure I once was).
- I've built strong boundaries. I wasn't always as careful with how I allow people to treat me, but once I started the work and didn't yield in the process, the payoff has been massive and definitely worth the work.
- I've gone from a people pleaser to a selfish prick - in the best possible way. Yes, a selfish prick. I'm not ashamed to call myself that. Becoming a selfish prick is probably my greatest achievement.
- I dare to dream big. (Well, big as in from my subjective point of view; someone else might think my dreams are little.)
- Finally, my attitude: I take full responsibility of everything that happens in my life. I made this life. I thought it into existence. If something's not to my liking, it's because of the choices I've made, and it's my duty to make it right.
What does your list of reasons to feel proud look like?
RK out.
