What makes you proud?

On day four we were asked to write about things we like about ourselves. I described myself as thoughtful and wrote about the joy I find in doing anonymous acts of kindness. I wrote about my desire for the world to be a better place for having had me in it. 

On day six we were asked to write about things that make us feel a sense of pride. I didn't write that day. Oops. I guess my unwavering work ethic would not make this list. But you know what would? My career. 

I am so proud of the work I do. The impact I have on students. And I do make an impact. I know I do. I've had people tell me, but I also feel it in my soul. I make a difference in my students' lives, and that makes me proud. 

You know what else? I am proud of my decision to become a foster parent and my work (is work really the correct word?) as a foster parent. I am proud of the fact that I show up for those kids even if I'm blundering my way through it.

I'm proud of the letters I write for VIDA and Cartas de Paz. I am proud that I am using words to show kindness and compassion to someone who many believe deserves neither. I think that matters. I think that work is worthy, and I am proud of myself for doing it. 

Today's writing prompt tells us to look back over the things we listed that make us proud and see what that says about us and what we value and how those values can lead us. 

I like what I see when I look back over my list. I value service to others, and I like that about myself. 

But the other observation I would like to note is what is glaringly absent from my list. I just assume that most moms would list their children when asked what makes them proud. There's a reason "my pride and joy" is a commonly used phrase when referring to one's children. And I am proud of my son. He is an amazing person. He is smart and kind and of course I am proud of him. The reason I don't list him on first is that I'm not proud of myself as a mother. I wasn't stellar. It wasn't my calling, and I'm not a natural. I'm supposed to say I did my best. I'm not sure I did. Either way, it's fine. I hate the phrase it is what it is. But...