Don't Let Your Pride Stand In Your Way

Do you think your pride is an advantage? Does it do you any favors? Would you be better off without it?

It is good, is it not, to be proud of what we do? If we cannot be satisfied with our thoughts, deeds and actions perhaps we should think again how we are living our life?

We should be happy with our achievements. We should equally be happy for others for their accomplishments. The pleasure and joy of success should be felt by us all. And if worked for in an honest and wholesome way, is there any harm in it? We should take pride in the things that we do.

Pride is an area of human psyche, like a lot of other things, that boils down to how we feel about ourselves. Are we comfortable being us? Do we believe in our own self worth? Do we feel it is an honor to be us?

How does pride affect us?

If we are unhappy with ourselves then the chances are we are losing/have lost our self respect. We do not hold ourselves in very high esteem, and our self image, that mental picture of ourselves, is looking a bit shabby, too.

To treat ourselves with a poor level of self acceptance and respect is saying that we are unhappy. We are not content. We are not satisfied with our present lot. And we need to so something about it.

If we are aware of this situation it is a cause of concern. If we are not aware and blissfully going along in our little dream world thinking and feeling that all is well, then we may be edging towards a fall. We are asking for trouble, and trouble will more than likely find us.

And when trouble finds us how will we defend ourselves against it. Where will our resources of defence come from. We feel depleted and lacking in energy so where are these resources to fend off difficulties, where will they turn up from? They won't just spring up out of fresh air, will they?

If the very foundations of our life are shaky or crumbling then we are in trouble. A little wind may be sufficient to topple us over.

So, what can be done?

We need to start seeing ourselves in a better and brighter light. We need to start accepting the credit for good actions. We need to start valuing our contribution. We need to start respecting ourselves.

At first this may prove difficult. But if we stick at it then things can improve. We need to realize we are not a lost cause. Things can be turned around, if we are willing to put in the effort and we are in it for the long haul. There are no real secrets here. There are no pills to take and we will wake up tomorrow and all is well. That is the stuff of fairy tales - not the real life we live.

But help is at hand, if only we are willing to look and to receive. To recognize and accept a helping hand. From a friend, a colleague, a loved one, a stranger. Does it matter where that first step, first hand appears from. Be humble enough to take it and you will be on your way.

That first step is often the hardest. The others will not be easy, but easier.

Gain a little acceptance of self. Gain a little appreciation of our own worth. Gain just a little and things won't appear quite so dark. And we will be on the mend.

And ask for help, and it will appear if we are open enough to realize it.

And if all of this is meaningless for you, if you are brimming with confidence, well motivated, have a good self image and happy in your own life and take pride in what you do - then please be ready and willing to recognize when another human being is crying out (or not) for help - and offer them a little love and support.

This will go along way with them, and you'll feel good and happy you helped another person - today.

The power of words . . .

I strongly feel that words have a place in our lives. As we read we can let the words gently flow over us. We can let ourselves open to the thoughts and their meanings, the ideas and their origin, the phrases and the understandings that they have ready for us. Too gently and slowly impact on our lives as we read - and in the future when we recall their meaning for us.

I hope this pride page has this effect. If we just remember that words can be very powerful - healing, soothing, comforting, relaxing . . .

I take pride in what I do
and I hope that you do too
for then we'll have much to celebrate
have the self respect nothing to frustrate

Us in the things that we do
I can do them and so can you
I have no wish myself to inflate
but from the negative a wish to migrate

There is so much in life for us to do
some things to share, others just for you
life needs to be real there is no rebate
or second chance let's live and not stagnate

We can accomplish so much me and you
with our hearts we can see so much to do
act with feeling no thought of being a makeweight
one with life and ourselves, so much we can create

My self respect is high
my heart soars and reaches the sky
my value system strong no need to deny
myself, I can do it, yes I will - not just try

All best,
Martin