© Lord Coltrane Custom Confection Bustier

Is feeling PROUD such a bad thing?  Aren't we proud of our family when they reach their goals, and proud of ouselves when we get things right? 

The messages are way too confusing:  Love yourself, but don't be conceited; have a great work ethic, but don't be boastful about your victories; do your best, but don't show off.  We're even told to swallow our pride.

But what happens when we do swallow our pride? Our sense of self gets distorted, we become smaller, and don't quite fit in anymore. We end up giving away our power to the circumstances that limit us, and the people who want to keep us down.  Shame begins to replace pride with a deep-rooted limiting thought process.  Our actions become artificial to our authentic truth and we get depressed, fall ill, sell our souls.

© Lord Coltrane

I believe in positive self-image.  We should take pride in ourselves and our conscious choices to become the best we can be.  With a healthy sense of self-worth, we are confident, not conceited; we possess pride, not arrogance.

HOW TO BE AUTHENTICALLY PROUD:

1. RECOGNIZE & NAME all limiting thoughts you have about yourself.  Make a list of them: I'm not smart enough. I'm too old. I'm not pretty enough. I'm not worthy.  When you actually see these constricting beliefs, you'll understand why you make or don't make certain choices. If you think you are not pretty enough, you might not be outgoing at a party.  If you think you are too old, you might not take that class you've always been interested in.
2. PHYSICAL CONSCIOUSNESS is important to understanding how negative thoughts play a role in your overall health and well-being.  Pay attention to precisely where your limiting beliefs cause a physical sensation.  "I'm not good enough" might make you lower your head, creating a chronic neck pain, or "I'm not worthy" might give you a sensation in your gut, leading to an ulcer.
3. CELEBRATE YOURSELF & BRAG at least once a day to a girlfriend or family member.  Sharing your accomplishments, big or small, is self-training that honors your talents and abilities.  You will become much more aware of how much reasonless power you may have given to dishonoring conversations with yourself.

Peacocks are proud and beautiful.  A pride of lions are awe-inspiring.  The Pride Parade celebrates human rights.  Let's shine the light on our pride, stand tall, and love every inch of our unique selves.