Learning to Be Proud of Myself

 

There are days when I realize I need to remind myself of my own worth.

Not because I’ve forgotten, but because sometimes life gets heavy — and I forget to see myself through kind eyes.

I used to wait for someone to reassure me. To tell me I’m doing okay, that I’m strong, that I’m enough. But lately, I’ve learned that sometimes… I have to be that person for myself. I have to cheer myself up when no one else does. I have to be brave on my own.

Some nights, I’d look in the mirror and quietly whisper, “You’re doing fine. You’re strong. You’re worthy.”
And at first, it felt strange — like I was pretending to believe something I wasn’t sure of. But over time, it started to feel real. I started to see the truth in my own reflection.

Because I am worthy.
I do deserve happiness.
I do deserve to be treated with love, patience, and care — not just by others, but by myself too.

There was a time when I kept waiting for someone to validate my growth. I wanted someone to notice how far I’d come, how much I’d changed, how hard I was trying. But now I realize… that acknowledgment can come from within.

So today, I’m choosing to be proud of myself.
For surviving what tried to break me.
For healing in silence.
For being gentle with myself, even on the days I didn’t feel like I deserved it.

I looked at myself in the mirror today, and instead of focusing on what I still lack, I saw someone who has come such a long way. Someone who’s learning, who’s growing, who’s trying every single day.

I smiled and whispered, “You did well.”
And I meant it.

Sometimes, that’s all I need — to remind myself that I am worthy, I am enough, and I always have been.