Positivity: Pride

They say that Pride goeth before the fall.

Certainly being prideful and boastful and over-the-top can be a huge generator of negativity. However, in moderation, a little pride is a positive thing.

We have become so enamored of the mediocre and equality for everyone that we are loathe to take pride in a job well done. We have to be more humble than proud when we accomplish or achieve something. We have to be wary of the perception of others.

I am not saying that pride cannot be negative. Some people get so full of themselves when it comes to pride that they give it a bad impression. However, this does not mean that one should not take pride in what they do. What’s the point of doing a particularly good thing if you cannot at least be a little proud of it?

Moderation with this, as with most things in life, is the key. You should allow yourself to be proud of what you have done, but do not boast, do not brag, don’t mention it at every chance you get. Let other people see it, let other people ask you about it, and then show them why you are proud.

Being proud and being prideful are different animals. The former is something we strive for on a regular basis. The latter is something to be mindful of, and avoid if possible.

Feeling proud makes you feel good. You feel as if you have done something that is worthwhile, you feel as though you have contributed to the world in some good way. How can that be a bad thing? Having pride in who you are and what you do is just a part of confidence, after all, and that is not a bad thing either.

Yes, Pride is one of the so-called “Seven Deadly Sins”. Again, this is the braggart, over-blown pride that no one likes to encounter. Being proud of yourself, and proud of your friends and family and those around you is not a bad thing. It engenders positivity.

I think that is an important part about the positive aspect of pride. It is something not to be hoarded, but to be shared. You can be proud of those around you, and proud of your own accomplishments in equal measure, and that type of pride is an excellent generator of positivity for everyone.

It is okay to be proud of the person you are. It’s ok to be proud of your achievements, just like it is okay to be proud of the people in your life and their achievements. Moderation and knowing where the line between pride and pridefulness exists can go a long ways towards building more positivity for everyone.

Finding positivity is not hard, it just requires action. Knowing that having some pride in what you do is a good thing, you can be proud of your achievements. Allowing yourself to be proud will build up confidence, which helps to create more of the good feelings that will dissolve negative feelings. When we take away negative feelings, we open up space to let in positive feelings, and that is something we can be grateful for. Gratitude leads to happiness. Happiness is the ultimate positive attitude. Positive attitude begets positive energy, and that is always a good thing.

This is the fortieth entry of my Positivity series.  It is my hope these weekly messages might help spread positive energies for everyone.  Feel free to share, re-blog and spread the positivity.