Happy and proud are attainable states of being. Read on to discover how we can attain both happiness in, and being proud of, oneself.
Being happy
Happy is said to be the state in which one feels joy and contentment. It is that emotion whereby we smile with ease from feeling good inside. We are uplifted and delight in participating in life. We still experience moments whereby we will feel the opposite; sad or not so great, however they are less frequent than the overall feeling of joy and contentment.
Happiness is attained by expressing and feeling gratitude for all that we have. When we are thankful and appreciate what we have in our life, we can be happy. It comes from undertaking and participating in those activities and events that feed our passions and give us enjoyment. Extending kindness to others results in a happiness for the giver as well as the recipient.
Undoubtedly there will be times when the feelings of sadness, disappointment, annoyance, anxiety and even anger will surface. This is natural and unpreventable. This does not make us unhappy people, it makes us human. If these occasions are short-lived and we can transition back to a feeling of contentment and joy, then happiness fills our being once more.
“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.” – Carl Jung
To go off kilter can simply arise from having less than helpful thoughts or through experiencing negative emotions. When this happens, it is useful to acknowledge these thoughts and feelings and recognise this is a temporary state of being. Once these two actions have been done, replacing those unhelpful thoughts with three uplifting thoughts that serve us better will more often than not, find us resume that comforting feeling of being fulfilled and happy once more.
Connection with others gives us an innate sense of belonging; a need that naturally occurs in humans. When we feel we belong it indicates we have established stable relationships with ourselves and others. There is an acceptance factor and one of a sense that we are valued. This in turn brings an inner gladness for being part of something bigger than us. Happiness will prevail under these circumstances.
“There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort.”– Charlotte Bronte
Being Proud
By definition, being proud of yourself derives from a feeling of great satisfaction for the qualities you possess, being pleased with your own achievements and having a strong sense of self-respect and self-esteem.
Being proud of who you are comes from accepting every part of yourself; the parts you love, the parts you like and the parts you are not so fond of and in doing so, knowing who you are. It also comes from understanding yourself and that you are doing the best you can with what knowledge and wisdom you have at any given time; once again, acceptance.
“Not too many people could walk a mile in your shoes. Only you know your struggles, challenges and obstacles; so be proud of how far you have come.”
― Edmond Mbiaka
When you are confident in that you are treading your own path in the way you wish to, that what you do each day is of value and that it is perfectly okay to be your own unique self, pride will be your companion.
Once again, as with happiness, contentment is fundamental to attaining a sense of pride in oneself. When we are content within from following our passions and doing our best in life, enjoying each moment and being grateful for all that we have, pride for the being we are, will be the result.
Without ever feeling proud of yourself and your accomplishments, true happiness cannot develop. It is essential to be safe in the knowledge that what you do matters in order for you to be proud. The two are not mutually exclusive. Happy and proud are co-inhabitants of your being.
“Be proud of who you are. Keep going.” – Robert Wood