Yesterday I had shared a post on Good As Golds Facebook page that said “The ghosts of all the women you used to be are so proud of who you have become”. Awesome, right? Reading it just made me feel good. The reaction to it from other people made me think that it had to have made them feel good too. So, I wanted to sit down and unpack this a bit. Why did that statement hold so much power?

How often do you hear that someone is proud of you? Thinking about it, I really don’t hear that phrase a lot in my life. Sure, when you do something grand and life altering it’s said. But what if you haven’t done anything life altering in a while? You just stop hearing it?

In a world so quick to bring up someone’s mistakes, why is it not so quick to point out the SMALL, everyday victories? Sure, life altering moments of amazingness are awesome, but that’s not what builds us. The every day monotony that is life is what moulds who we are. We don’t just get to jump from awesome point to awesome point with no filler. Well, not in my life anyway. She’s pretty stale as of late lol.

Take pride in the filler. If no one else is telling you, you need to tell yourself. Take pride in all of it, big and small. And if you’re having an off day, pull this up. Print it off if you want to. Just realize that these words are meant for you.

You got up today when you didn’t want to? I’m proud of you.
You got over an obstacle you didn’t think that you could? I’m proud of you.
You got through a bad week? I’m proud of you.
You are getting through the loss of a loved one? I’m proud of you.
You are getting through the emotions of a break up or divorce? I’m proud of you.
You’re raising your family even on the hard days? I’m proud of you.
You are making a decision to do something even though it’s scary? I’m proud of you.
You took a day to yourself because you needed it? I’m proud of you.
You’re not letting your past mistakes define you? I’m proud of you.
You walked away from something mentally draining? I’m proud of you.
You took a shot at something that you didn’t end up getting? I’m proud of you.
You’re getting through life even though it’s hard? I’m proud of you.
You have days that you want to give up, but don’t? I’m proud of you.
You have realized a new goal? I’m proud of you.
You’re there for others even in times when you aren’t there for yourself? I’m proud of you.
You show up even when it’s hard? I’m proud of you
You didn’t show up because it was too hard for you and you recognized that? I’m proud of you.

I’m here to tell you that for the big and the small, I’m proud of you. Life isn’t easy and we are all dealing with the big and small. Usually at the same time. So, even if we don’t talk or hang out, please know that I am cheering you on from the sidelines. I’m proud of you, and you should be proud of you too.

xo S