When I Realize How Proud I Am Of Someone Or Something

When I Realize How Proud I Am Of Someone Or Something It Brings To Mi

When I realize how proud I am of someone or something, it brings to mind, "Pride goeth before destruction." But today, I pinched myself, and lo and behold, I am still here, holding destruction at bay, after experiencing a whirlwind week of proud moments. Granddaughter Madi, after failing last year, tried out for cheerleader and succeeded this week. She could have given up, but instead, she cheerfully cheer-led herself to say, "Don't worry. I'll just try out again next year." To a thirteen year old, a year is a very, very long time, but she rededicated herself to gymnastics. No family get-together during the past year was complete without some flipping and flopping and jumping.

She lived, ate, and breathed her goal. Madi had not been a toddler-gymnast, but instead, had joined the club later on. And truthfully, last year's jumps and confidence lagged some. Then came rededication, and after the additional year, she could do four flips and jump higher and smoother, and her confidence soared, which no doubt secured her place on the cheer squad this time. Prouder of her dedication than her reward, I know how well this lesson will serve her the rest of her life.

Daughter Tania presides over a husband and teenagers; she has changed jobs more often than she has changed her hairdos, which is considerable. Tania returned to college a few of years ago, earned her BS in IT, and worked a job, which offered her little financial reward. As entry-level sales staffer at the local radio station, she committed to hard work, which finally paid off: she got her own talk show; she became station manager of not only the local radio station, but several others; and she received a financial incentive package, making those very, very difficult three years, worth every effort. A talker and singer since toddlerdom, she now utilizes all her best skills as she writes and sings jingles, talks, sells, and confidently manages a staff.

Prouder of her dedication than her reward, I know how well this lesson will serve her the rest of her life. Daughter Darcy's work and living arrangements had floundered worse than my own; then, she and her husband returned to college a few years ago. Mastering levels of difficulty such as one vehicle and bus schedules for a two-student household, job schedules, and a cat, she will soon receive her Masters degree in English and, along with coveted awards in her program, will receive a doctoral fellowship to continue on with her pursuits. Dr. Darcy, I presume, soon to come.

Prouder of her dedication than her rewards, I know how well this lesson will serve her the rest of her life. With each generation, we hope to impart our lessons—gained during our own lives—impart them fast enough so the recipient does not have to make the same mistakes. And yet, we know those lessons are best ascertained from personal experience: good and bad. In my world of education, where I see and hear, "I don't care," on too many levels, it joyously fills me to know three people in my family this week, do care. Their hard work and dedication paid off and gave them so much more than their rewards. Keeping a perceived, higher wisdom to one's self is never easy, but pride does rise to the top, just like the cream, and, so far, no destruction.

Paper For Above instruction

Celebrating Personal Pride: Lessons of Dedication Across Generations

Personal pride is often viewed ambivalently, caught between the motivating force of achievement and the perilous edge of arrogance. Yet, within the nuanced spectrum of human emotion, pride can serve as a catalyst for growth and perseverance, as vividly illustrated by recent experiences with family members who exemplify dedication and resilience. These stories underscore the profound impact of perseverance and self-belief, not only on individual achievement but also on intergenerational values.

The enthusiasm and persistence of granddaughter Madi highlight how perseverance in the face of setbacks fosters growth. After failing her cheerleading tryouts last year, her decision to persist exemplifies resilience—a trait that transcends age and circumstance. Her rededication to gymnastics, culminating in improved skills and boosted confidence, epitomizes how sustained effort leads to success. Such dedication not only secures her a place on the cheer squad but also teaches her vital life lessons about patience, commitment, and self-belief, which are foundational to lifelong development (Duckworth, 2016).

Similarly, daughter Tania’s career progression illustrates the transformative power of perseverance. Her willingness to return to college, pursue a degree in IT, and then leverage her skills into a managerial position at a radio station demonstrates how dedication can translate into tangible rewards. Her journey underscores that career advancement often results from relentless effort and continual self-improvement. This narrative aligns with research indicating that perseverance and proactive career management significantly contribute to occupational success (Ng et al., 2005).

Daughter Darcy’s pursuit of her master’s degree, despite balancing the demands of a young family and work commitments, further exemplifies resilience. Achieving a master’s, with distinctions and the prospect of a doctoral fellowship, underscores how determination can transform obstacles into opportunities. Such dedication fosters not only academic success but also personal growth and fulfillment. These stories collectively affirm that perseverance nurtures both personal and professional development, ultimately enriching the individual and the family legacy (Bandura, 1997).

From an educational perspective, these stories reinforce the importance of instilling resilience and dedication in younger generations. The lessons learned through personal effort—whether overcoming academic challenges, career setbacks, or family responsibilities—are vital for enduring success. As educators and mentors, fostering an environment that values perseverance can cultivate a resilient mindset, equipping individuals to navigate life’s inevitable difficulties (Dweck, 2006).

Furthermore, the acknowledgment of pride rooted in effort rather than merely in reward underscores a fundamental principle: authentic pride emanates from personal growth and dedication. It is this internal sense of achievement—acknowledged and celebrated—that sustains motivation and encourages continued perseverance (Schunk, 2012). Recognizing and appreciating these efforts within the family framework enriches interpersonal bonds and promotes a culture of resilience and mutual support.

In conclusion, the stories of Madi, Tania, and Darcy exemplify how dedication, perseverance, and pride can positively shape individuals across generations. Their experiences serve as powerful reminders of the importance of resilience and effort, illustrating that the true rewards of perseverance extend beyond tangible achievements to include personal integrity and growth. As a family, embracing these values fosters a legacy of strength and perseverance, inspiring future generations to face their challenges with confidence and resolve.

References

• Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
• Duckworth, A. L. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.
• Ng, T. W., Eby, L. T., Sorensen, K. L., & Feldman, D. C. (2005). Predictors of objective and subjective career success: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 58(2), 367–408.
• Schunk, D. H. (2012). Motivation and learning: Theory, research, and practice. Pearson Higher Ed.