Why I'm not proud

They are proud in humility, proud in that they are not proud.

~Robert Burton

Claiming that I am proud of something has never been comfortable for me.

Even though I am blessed to have two wonderful children, I have never been comfortable expressing that I am proud of them. In fact, I find myself subtly cringing when I hear others do.

Don’t get me wrong, I am very impressed by our children's accomplishments and character development. I just have trouble assuming responsibility for their success, even though I am often quick to blame myself for any transgressions.

The sin from which all others arise

If you see anything in yourself which may make you proud, look a little further, and you will find enough to make you humble.

~ Wellins Calcott

Until recently, when I came across a Sunday school book that included the seven deadly sins, I could not really explain why expressing pride was so difficult for me.

For the first two decades of my life, I attended Catholic Church every Sunday.

The first decade, devoutly.

The second, likely because my parents made us go.

I feared going to hell, so I was "good".

The Seven Deadly Sins are transgressions that impair spiritual growth. They include:

1. Lust

2. Gluttony

3. Greed

4. Sloth

5. Wrath

6. Envy

7. Pride

Pride is considered excessive belief in one’s own abilities. My mother and grandmother called pride (or vanity) the sin from which all others arise.

Feeling ashamed when called out for appearing vain, helped shape my language around pride subconsciously.

I am human however - far from perfect - and continue to be challenged to let go of the ego and become more humble.