What I Mean By "I'm Proud of You"

-

I use this phrase often. Possibly more often than it's meant to be used, but this phrase means so much to me. 

 

Examples of how I’ve used it recently: 

 

I’m proud of you for trying.

I’m proud of you for eating.

I’m proud of you for studying.

I’m proud of you for getting help. 

I’m proud of you for working hard. 

I’m proud of you for surviving today. 

I’m proud of you for doing your best. 

I’m proud of you for waking up today. 

I’m proud of you for putting yourself first. 

I’m proud of you for feeling your feelings. 

I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself. 

 

Did you notice how none of these result in a trophy, ceremony, or a signed piece of paper? Right, because pride is more than an object or form of gratitude. The feeling of pride is meant to boost confidence and be recognized that your efforts are being seen by others that are important in your life. 


I think about all the times recently I’ve been told that someone is proud of me and each time, it means that my feelings and actions are validated. When I decided to take a break from school, I had classmates, friends, and family tell me they were proud of me for taking this step to better myself. It reassured me that what I was doing was right! 

 

Think about the last time you heard the phrase: “I’m proud of you.” 

 

How did that make you feel? Was/is that person important in your life? What did it give you in that moment and now looking back? 

 

I hope you trust that person. 

I hope you felt seen or heard. 

I hope you felt important to others.

I hope you felt like you were enough. 

I hope you felt satisfied with your efforts. 

I hope you believed what they were telling you. 

 

And if you didn’t feel a connection to these hopes I have for you, know it’ll come. Being able to accept someone’s recognition that you are enough can be hard. 

 

If I’ve ever told you I’m proud of you, please know I meant it! I know how much it means to hear those words from someone else. And if I haven’t told you I’m proud of you, I’m telling you now that I AM PROUD OF YOU. 

 

What are you proud of yourself for? (Remember to give yourself some credit for all your growth!) 

 

With love, Jenna K. 

Location: Pike County, IL, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Love, Ms. Jenna

-
      I've had the privilege of being "Miss Jenna" to many kiddos this past school year, and it has been unforgettable. I have a memory book with "I love you" notes and drawings explicitly made with me in mind. I wrote each of them a note for the end of school, thanking them for being the first and only students I'll teach in a school setting--I have definitely crossed teaching off the list of 'Things I don't Want To Be.' I also got to work with the teachers who taught me growing up, which was a great experience. Not to mention, I learned to set boundaries and grew in who I was. Some days I didn't think I could make it through the year, but I did, and it was so worth it.        The numerous projects led me to find my calling: graphic design. I created assignments, visual aids, schedules, door decor, filing systems, and ended the year with memory books that held this past year's projects and pictures of them at their proudest and happiest ...
Read more

Grief is like Glitter

-
I’m grieving.  But in a way that is silent and functional.  I can’t stop buying things to lay at their graves.  I try to keep the flower arrangements up to date based on the seasons.  I can’t listen to certain songs unless I’m in the right headspace.  “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green is a heart-wrenching pain for me.  I haven’t even tried listening to Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone.  That was the last song sang as he died and to conclude his funeral.  Their pastor has a beautiful voice that took his spirit to heaven’s front door.  My heart hasn’t been the same since May 20, and I have said that something in me changed that day she died.  My heart was still mourning my grandma, and then we buried my grandpa exactly 9 months later.  Cancer is a thief.  It snuck up so quietly and quickly that I felt robbed of my time with him.  Stage 4 colon cancer.  It took him from this beautiful life he created.  It...
Read more

One Year Later

-
 It's been a year, and I ain't saying it ain't been a good one. It's been a "did a lot more than I thought I could" one. -It's Been a Year by Ashley Cooke  If that isn't the truth, Grandma.  I miss you more than life.  But we're doing okay.  Maybe not today, but that's expected.  I've learned that grief comes in waves.  Like the other night, when I stepped outside and looked up at the stars.  I just cried and talked to you.  It was what I needed, but it was brief.  Brief like our last phone call on May 12, 2024;  8 days before my heart shattered and left a pain that lingered.  _______ A year later, I've been pushed to change my perspective.  The idea of re-shaping how I'm viewing these "bad" things that keep happening.  I'm finding hidden meanings as to why things have happened.  I find myself believing that God is on my side again, after doubting his mission. I've read a few blogs from Hope During Loss (linked b...
Read more