The definition I found of pride says “a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.”

Now, I absolutely do not believe that pride is always a sin or a negative thing at all. In fact, I truly believe the opposite is true and that taking pride in yourself is extremely important. I do, however, know that at times being prideful from standing in our way makes us combative and closed-minded. If we feel that something we take pride in is being threatened in any way. So another definition I found is to have pride or to be prideful. And this one says it's a high or an ordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing conduct, etc.

The Importance of Taking Pride in Yourself

When you accomplish something amazing, you should take pride in it. I personally I'm proud of the work and effort I have put into starting this blog and actually following through. Now over the years, I have found myself having great ideas and then backing away. What I realized when I sat down to write out my thoughts for this blog is that backing away or not following through was really a result of letting my pride or ego get in the way. I worried way too much about what people might think, and so I found myself playing small. In order to. Not put myself in a position where I could be embarrassed or have a bruised ego. 

When Does Pride Become a Problem?

So, another question that came to me is when is pride considered a step? Now you can't see me, but I'm using the word sin with error codes because honestly, I'm not much of a Bible person and not a true believer in sin, as far as that goes. But I do know that being prideful becomes problematic when we start to see ourselves as better than someone or use that pride as a reason or excuse to disrespect others. It's also really negative when we let pride get in the way of trying to understand someone or something that doesn't quite fit into the way we see the world. So this is the takeaway I would like to leave you with, find more things to be proud of yourself for. Never feel guilty for giving yourself the credit you deserve. As I mentioned earlier, we are often the only ones who see all the things that we accomplish each day, week, month, and year and I really feel like. We need to be nicer to ourselves in so many aspects, me included, so take some pride in yourself. And don't feel guilty about that. 

Finding a Balance

The other thing is I want to encourage you to look at one area in your life right now. Where you are being prideful about a subject or a situation. Then try to step back and open your heart and mine and try to look at it in a different way. Just try to accept something, maybe that you have it in the past because I tell you what is, the more I've traveled, the more I've gotten to know people. Nobody is 100% right, nobody is 100% wrong, and it's really important that we are able to love and respect people and not let our pride or preconceived conceptions. Get in the way of. Just getting to know other people and seeing their perspectives. My entire purpose here in the world, according to Heidi, is to look at the world through many lenses and to understand that we each have our own unique stories. Our differences are what make this world so beautiful and interesting. My hope is that when you let go of your ego or pride-based beliefs you will find yourself with a new perspective or at the very least add new acceptance of something or someone they previously had little or no tolerance for.

Final Thoughts

Pride is not always a sin or a negative thing. Taking pride in oneself and one's accomplishments is essential for personal growth and development. However, being prideful can become problematic when it is used to see oneself as better than others or as a reason to disrespect others. Finding a balance between taking pride in oneself and avoiding being prideful is key to personal growth and understanding.

Listen to Let's Whine About It episode

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