The Golden Mailbox
Newsletter

What do we mean when we use the word "PROUD" or "PRIDE" in this way?

I am proud of you.
You take pride in your work.
I am proud to be an American.

Isn't it interesting we can use those same two words to also mean exactly the opposite:

You are so proud hearted.
I am to proud to stoop that low and do that.
I think your pride will be your down fall.

The words "PROUD" "PRIDE" are very interesting words when it can have exact opposite meaning depending on how it is used.

We can also find other words that are the opposite of the negative meaning of "PROUD" or "PRIDE". Two of those words would be "HUMBLE" and "HIGH SELF-ESTEEM".

I would like to illustrate for you the fact that the negative meaning of "PROUD" and "PRIDE" is the opposite of HIGH SELF-ESTEEM. To better help us understand that concept, here is a little diagram that may help us see that point:

LOW SELF-ESTEEM (PRIDEFUL)
Gain security EXTERNALLY by having "things"
Have a desire to feel better than others
Making comparisons to others brings a feeling of self pride
Gain a false sense of security by putting others down
Have a scarcity mentality: I am going to get my share before others get it
Always wishing you were someone else you perceive to be better

HIGH SELF-ESTEEM (HUMBLE)
Gain security internally through giving service
Have a genuine admiration for others and their accomplishments
Building others up helps you feel a sense of self worth
It is easy to always saying good about everyone even when they are wrong
Have an abundance mentality: There is plenty for everyone and I will help others
Accept who you are and feel true joy and happiness with yourself the way you are.

One of the most important things we can do in our quest of excellence is to have high self- esteem. If we are filled with the above described negative feelings of self pride, it will eventually destroy our feelings of self-esteem, if it has not already.

We may have the appearance of being happy to others on the outside, but the negativeness will show through and in the end we will not be able to change ourselves for good very much nor do very much to help anyone else change for the good either.

So there is the long and the short of it. Having a feeling of high self-esteem is just the opposite of being filled with the feelings of negative pride! By working on eliminating those feelings of negative "PRIDE" from our life over a long period of time, we can start to build within our self, one day at a time, a higher and higher self esteem.

High self-esteem will help us in our quest to find true happiness in our life.

THAT IS WORTH HAVING!!!!!!!!!

Your millionaire and millionaire-ess making friend

Cordell Vail, W.B.