Pride is the pleasurable feeling of satisfaction derived from owning our achievements, qualities or skills (Note: No mention of “things”). Pride shouldn’t be confused with conceit, egotism or vanity. It’s earned. Pride develops from doing things right. 

Society often frowns on those expressing pride in their achievements. This is sad and a limiting way to view another. 

If someone has put in effort to accomplish something, whatever that is, why should they not feel proud of their accomplishments? 

If we feel jealous, annoyed or irritated by observing another’s pride from their work or achievements, perhaps we need to think about what we might need to do to feel proud ourselves. Feeling irked really turns the mirror on ourselves and what we were not willing to try, risk, do, restrict or attempt. 

For example, when observing someone who’s really gotten themselves into great physical shape, there’s a tendency to rationalize: “It’s easy for them.” This is rarely true. Rather, being in shape is a choice. Those with the toned, shapely physiques—at any age, but even more so as we pass 30—are exercising, making healthy food choices and skipping a lot of foods that they love as much as we do. I am a model, and when I go to a casting and see another model do a high kick, I don’t say, “Oh well, she’s younger than me!” Rather, I say, “Can you imagine the hours of training it took to achieve such a goal—and all the ice cream and French fries she skipped?” I feel the same when I watch any professional athlete.  

The awe extends further to all forms of excellence: Like parents and teachers who have patience. Skilled laborers with technical expertise. Musicians practicing endless hours alone. Mathematicians and scientists developing formulas and therapeutics. Nurses, doctors, firemen, policemen and other caregivers helping others. Artists and writers who’ve inspired our imaginations. Electricians who get us lit-up again after a storm destroys infrastructure. Plumbers who keep our toilets flushing. Machinists who keep machinery moving. 

The list goes on. Each of us has invested time and effort in accomplishing something. So, I ask: What are you personally proud of having achieved? Please allow yourself to own it and share it—with pride.

I’m @DianGriesel aka @SilverDisobedience — the author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook and TurboCharged: The SilverDisobedience Edition (available at amazon!) ✨ I’m a Perception Analyst who shares my Daily Meditations for other Ageless, Passionate & Curious People.  More info in my bio & on my websites.