We live and work in a world that is sometimes upside down, with expectations, comparison and competition that is ego driven and that we identify with, often for the wrong reasons. What are you proud of today and why? If you think about yourself, your story, your identity as well as your impact today, which are the things you are really proud of? I recently watched a video where Jerry Seinfeld speaks at the annual Duke University graduation as a motivational speaker. At some point he profoundly mentioned:
We’re often embarrassed about things we should be proud of and proud of things we
should be embarrassed about. Man, that pretty much sums up our world today.
So true, isn’t it? In an ego-driven world our sense of significance is often upside down.
We are often embarrassed to be ourselves, to show our feelings and emotions, or to engage with our pain honestly. We should be strong right? Or we keep ourselves from just playing like a child again and have fun again, because of what people will think? A client recently showed me a video of her 21-month-old son crying with laughter, abundantly again and again when they chased the dog around the table. I was touched by that moment. He doesn’t care what others think he is just happy and he is showing it just as it is – his world is still so simple and authentic. Watch it here if you want.
A world where we are often embarrassed about our being human or having fun or having time. Embarrassed about doing nothing for a while or just stare at beauty for a moment and being touched by it – instead we need to produce, be productive, do, do, do.
Think about this for a moment – what are you soulfully proud of? Where can you just be authentic without worrying what other’s think? Are you perhaps embarrassed to show your pain, show your laughter, be vulnerable or to stand up for what is right although it is not the popular opinion? The things you should be proud of? May your world not be summed up by Jerry Seinfield’s statement.
Choose one thing that you are sometimes embarrassed about and be proud of it
today…….
Be proud, to just be yourself.
Go well!
You are welcome to watch Jerry Seinfeld’s speech here
Xmas in November Leaders Retreat Nov 1 st of Nov 8 th // Zorgfliet Estate
I am often embarrassed when I have nothing to do or if I schedule a day to slow down.
This Leaders Retreat is an opportunity to slow down and be proud of yourself about
scheduling this time for yourself to reflect soulfully and look ahead with purpose!
