Greetings and Salutations, Blog Readers!

Today we are taking a break from the book reviews of last week and talking about: Pride.

Pride isn’t always a bad thing, and it isn’t always a good thing, either.

Pride is defined by Oxford Languages as:

Noun

1. A feeling of deep pleasure of satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom pone is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
2. Consciousness of one’s own dignity

Verb

1. Be especially proud of (a particular quality or skill)

I bring up the definition of pride to describe the parameters that I am discussing it in. Based on the title of this blog, it is obvious I am not speaking to pride as such of a marginalized group, nor a group of lions, so I have focused instead on the pride one has in oneself.

Because this post, as you can tell, is also talking about ego.

For years I have been working hard on getting my ego in check, as most of us should be, because our ego can be a dangerous part of our personalities that works against our greater good. Despite all my work dismantling and keeping it in check…The ole ego will still flare up, so I have been forced to start assessing what makes it flare up, and when I analyze the cause, it is plain to see: Pride is the reason.

This is something I personally struggle with, as I have had low confidence and self-esteem for most of my life, and much of my ego comes from me trying to overcompensate for my own perceived shortcomings, so, I have been trying to take pride in the things I do, the things I have accomplished and overcame, the things I bring to the table…all while also making sure my ego doesn’t flare up and cause problems.

Which has led me to the following conclusion:

Take pride in the things you do, but don’t do things out of pride.

Basically, always take pride in the things you do, and care enough to do them well, to knock everything you do out of the park…But don’t do silly things, out of pride.

Do work hard, save money, and take pride in securing a better future for yourself. Don’t buy a big house to show off.

Do take pride in yourself, read, journal, and practice good healthy habits. Don’t talk down on those who do not.  

Take pride in doing things, care about them enough to do them well, to put your best foot forward…But don’t do stupid things out of pride.

You don’t need to have the last word, you don’t need to shove success in the faces of others, you don’t need to be jealous or full of foolish pride.

You should take pride in what you do, but not be prideful.

So, what does pride mean to you? What does taking pride in things mean to you, and what does doing thigs out of pride mean to you?

This bit of reflection can help you along your way to being your best self, and I hope you find it helpful in your journey.

Take pride in the things you do, but don’t do things out of pride.

Thanks for reading,

Abbi