Welcome to The Pause, dear friend. Come on in and make yourself comfortable.
I have been having myself a damn good time these past few days.
Why is that?
Well, 1) Because I got the final gallery back from a photoshoot I did with my family to celebrate our birthdays and wow.
And, 2) Because I’m hyped on finishing a refreshed look for the About and Home pages (which now include pics from said photoshoot and a revamped logo, thanks to my talented husband).
I’m proud of myself and I’m proud of The Pause, and high-key, I appreciate you allowing me a moment to bask in that pride with you.
Playing off this energy, today we’re gonna pause and dedicate a moment to the practice of pride.
Settle in, take a deep breath, and get ready to pause in 3...2...1...
🦁 The Practice of Pride
I’m proud of a lot of things in my life.
I’m proud of myself. I’m proud of the relationship I’ve built with my husband. I’m proud of the way I choose to parent.
In the past, if someone praised me for these things I’d deflect with, what I deemed, a socially appropriate amount of sheepish demeanor, paired with pre-approved lines diminishing my part in whatever they happened to be praising me for.
Did I actually agree with the praise they were giving me? Most of the time, yes. But for whatever reason, I got it in my head that the humbler I appeared, the more highly regarded I’d be.
After having my daughter, something shifted in me. I no longer wanted to pretend I wasn’t aware of my greatness as a person, wife, or mother, because I knew, deep down, she was watching me.
Would it be fair to model to her that, even if she did feel secure and proud of herself, it was better to pretend she wasn’t for humble’s sake?
Of course not. So, I decided to work on changing my tune.
It’s been uncomfortable work, and even though I occasionally fall back into diminishing-mode, I’ve gotten to the place where if someone praises me for something I feel proud of (like being a great mother) I allow myself to acknowledge that pride on the inside and accept the praise on the outside (My completely audacious response?: You’re right. I am. ((🤯)).
Accepting your contributions to the achievements of your life isn’t being full of yourself. Rather, it’s a practice of acknowledging yourself and celebrating what you’re proud of on the inside and the outside.
So today, take a moment to practice being proud. Give yourself the space to accept (and maybe even celebrate??) your contributions to the achievements of your life.
⏸ Pause & Reconnect
**Get curious and have fun. There are no right or wrong answers; just what’s true for you.**
What’s something you’re super proud of?
In what ways have you contributed to that achievement?
If someone were to praise you on it, how would you feel and what would you likely say in return?
My personal challenge to you: go share the thing you’re proud of with someone you love. Let them celebrate with you and share in your pride.
My best to you these next few weeks, dear friend. Until we meet again. 🖤
- L