Being proud of oneself
Around this time of year, my friends and I often start to reflect on how the past six months have been. It’s a fascinating phenomenon that just ends up happening – probably because quite a few of us are goal orientated or like to share stories of what have happened so far.
One of the biggest changes for me this year is that at some point, one of the sweet little voices in my head has had the chance to flourish. This is the voice that combats the self-saboteur gremlins to provide comfort in a way that feels new.
More specifically, I have found this voice saying things like “I am proud of you.” Which, if you’re a fellow recovering perfectionist, that’s incredibly huge.
It’s acknowledging your own accomplishments, irrespective of what others think of what you’ve done, because you know how much you worked for it.
So, since this blog is like an online snapshot of my thoughts, I wanted to share with you three things I’m proud of this year. And while you read, I encourage you to consider what’s on your list of things you’re proud of for yourself.
How much I prioritise my physical wellbeing
Exercise gives me so much joy in a way that it hasn’t ever before. That’s partly because I spent a long time breaking down my own fears and stigma around going to the gym, or even just accepting that I could like things that didn’t fit others’ perception of me as a typically nerdy or creative type.
What I love is that it started with me deciding that my constant back-pain was not normal and that I needed to do something differently – and I have! I started by going to the chiropractor and committing to trying to walk 10,000 steps a day, and I am so excited to see what I continue to do in this space and where this newfound love will take me.
2. For acknowledging and listening to my needs
In the past six months, I have adapted to a new career path, opened myself to dating again, and revitalised my creativity. I wholeheartedly believe these things have happened because I’ve learned how to notice my needs and have better tools to meet them.
While those needs continue to be dynamic and ever-changing, I have at least accepted that I must sit with myself and say quietly “hey, what do you need right now?” and then do exactly that.
3. That I have said no
Learning when I should say no to something has been somewhat of a fine art, that has taken several years to master. There are so many great opportunities for development and people doing great things, that it’s so easy for me to want to dedicate my whole being to the thing (to the detriment of myself).
I have also said no to relationships that weren’t serving me, and no to things that I would absolutely love to do but know that if I do them I will be overstretching myself. Instead of reaching for the automatic ‘yes’ button, I pause and remember what my needs are now.
I have also realised far too late into writing this post that the topic I’ve chosen is about being proud of and about oneself, and it’s also Pride Month!! This month I’m doing Sweat With Pride with a bunch of friends, and I’m delighted with how much we’ve already raised and exercised. Thank you to those who have donated or been following our journey. These kinds of things make me warm and fuzzy and hopeful for the future.
So, to wrap-up this post about being proud of oneself, I hope that today you choose to be proud of yourself. Whether it’s a big thing or a small thing, I hope you back yourself today and are proud of who you are and who you’re becoming.
You’re doing great things, and I can’t wait to hear about them.
With love,
Olivia 🐈