Heart Advice

In defense of being openly proud of yourself

''A friend of mine was once editing a site featuring various women in the creative arts community and had to get approval from all of them for their bios. She mentioned that when she received their notes for the changes they wanted addressed, none of them had anything to do with something being factually incorrect. The only edits they requested were to remove complimentary language in relation to their accomplishments.

What is it that makes us feel that we should shy away from definitively owning our successes? As much as I was flabbergasted hearing the story, it made me stop and think of all the times in my life that I have felt uncomfortable publicly laying claim to something good I had done. Is it the oft repeated “pride cometh before a fall” that resonates in the back of our minds? (Although I’m told the actual proverb is “pride goeth before destruction,” which is just as unpleasant to hear.) But why does pride automatically equate with arrogance to so many of us, or fear that others will see it that way, and why do we allow others to dictate the definition of our personal success? And why, when we try to take ownership of how we feel, do people feel the need to silence us?...''

by Danielle Sepulveres