An Understanding of Pride from Brazil

Several things have happened to me recently that have got me thinking or rethinking about pride. I think I've come to a new and different understanding of pride as a result.

First, I've met several Brazilians and one of the things that strikes me is how proud they are. They are proud of their food, their music, and their soccer. They are proud of their bodies and their good looks. They are proud of their love of life and their happiness.

Second, Chris and I had dinner before I left for Brazil. When we parted we hugged and told me he loved me as he always does (so sweet) and I told him I was proud of him and he said, "I'm proud of you too Dad."

And thirdly, several people wrote to tell me how proud they are of me for taking the steps to learn more about myself in order to grow as a person.

While there certainly have been moments in my life when I've felt proud, it is an emotion that I'm not very familiar with. It is an emotion I have mostly suppressed because I didn't want to appear superior or arrogant. Shame comes pretty easy to me, but I have fought to hold pride down. Part of self loathing maybe. Anyway, it is now my understanding that self pride is a wonderful emotion to have. I'm trying to identify things each day of which I am proud. I consider events in my life, accomplishments, activities, relationships, and so on. I think it is a wonderful way to acknowledge yourself in a positive spirit.

Telling someone else you are proud of them has a powerful and profound effect. In a way, it is more than telling one that you love them. Telling them you are proud of them says, "Not only do I love you, but I admire what you have done who you have become. My understanding is that telling yourself that you are proud has a similar effect.

I understand that I can avoid arrogance by admitting I'm not perfect and not comparing myself to anyone else in an attempt to feel superior. One can be proud without being arrogant.

This is a new insight for me and I'm really proud of it!!! And it feels really good.

Thanks for reading.