You have no idea how proud I am of you!
It’s a line from The Good Doctor, which Doctor Glassman gives to Doctor Shaun Murphy, at a moment when the latter is showing his distrust of himself. A line I invite you to reflect on for a moment.
When has anyone ever told you they were proud of you? When have you told someone you are proud of her/him?
I would venture to say that such statements are rather rare.
Perhaps some will say it’s not in their nature to praise others. Others will say it’s good to find strength in ourselves, not to expect validation from others.
It is easy for us to criticise, to see the speck in someone else’s eye, to be cynical, to complain.
To position ourselves differently, to seek to see the bright side of the other, involves intentionality, continuous self-education. Exercises in admiration imply ego relaxation, generosity, an evolved spirit, enthusiasm.
If you want to increase your power, pass it on to someone else, someone said, in a speech I listened to on YouTube. Support others, tell them when you appreciate something, when you’re proud of something specific about them.
Many times, an exercise of support, of appreciating someone, has a similar role to that of dark chocolate on the brain: it helps release substances that increase the individual’s well-being.
So, who have you been proud of lately? Make an effort and tell them.