When I have moments of being proud of my kids, I consciously work to shift my mindset to happiness for them instead.

I choose to think of their successes, their progress in life, not as reflections of me, but rather a reflection of their grow, their good fortune.

Why do I choose this way of thinking?

Consider the definition of each word.

Pride: “pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself;”

Happiness: “characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy.”

Pride seems ego-centric; happiness seems more ego-less. I frequently find myself experiencing joy and happiness when good things happen to my friends, co-workers, friends. “Good for them”, it’s an oft whispered phrase.

Silly thinking? Maybe, but it’s where I’m at, who I am. And it works for me.

I choose happiness.