The emotional landscape we traverse when we achieve something significant, something that we've earnestly strived for, is often a blend of joy, relief, and pride. These feelings are intrinsically human, validating our efforts and invigorating our pursuit of dreams. This gives rise to an important question, one that frequently hovers over our celebrations - Is being proud synonymous with bragging? Is it incorrect to revel in our achievements? This topic comes to mind especially now, as our podcast, "These Fukken Feelings," has recently achieved an incredible milestone by ranking #186 in all podcasts on Apple Podcast.
To answer these questions, we first need to explore the connotations of the words "pride" and "bragging." Pride is a feeling of satisfaction we derive from our achievements or those with whom we are closely associated. Conversely, bragging is often linked with boasting about oneself or one's achievements, generally coupled with an intent to elevate oneself above others.
The difference is stark. It lies in the intent. Pride is an inward-focused emotion that validates our accomplishments. Bragging, however, tends to be outward-focused, often rooted in insecurity or a craving for validation from others. It's about flaunting your success with the intention of securing admiration or envy.
Guilt associated with celebrating success often stems from societal norms and individual perception. There's a thin line between sharing your achievements and boasting about them, and this line often blurs based on the listeners' perception, which is beyond our control.
Now, let's return to our accomplishment - "These Fukken Feelings" ranking #186 among all podcasts on Apple Podcast. This is not an easily attained feat. It involves hard work, dedication, consistency, creativity, and much more. It's the outcome of teamwork, and a great deal of satisfaction and pride accompanies such recognition. It's perfectly fine to feel proud and share this accomplishment with others.
In spite of the constant negativity, the hateful comments, and the trolling that are an unfortunate part of life in the digital world, this accomplishment serves as a testament to our resilience. I am incredibly proud of what we've achieved. This isn't just a ranking; it is a beacon of persistence shining through the storm of criticism.
Hate and trolling often stem from misunderstanding or personal discontent. Yet, the fact that we continue to rise above it, to persist and achieve such milestones, fills me with a sense of pride that's hard to express. It shows that success isn't gauged by the absence of adversity but by our ability to persevere through it.
This achievement is for everyone who's been part of our journey, from those who've shown unwavering support to even those who've doubted us. It is the naysayers and trolls who have inadvertently steeled our resolve, reminding us that what we're doing matters, sparking conversations, and in some cases, igniting necessary controversy.
In the end, our work's merit is showcased by our podcast's ranking. We've risen above the hate and continue to deliver content that resonates with our audience, and for that, I couldn't be more proud. This isn't bragging; it's a testament that we can achieve greatness when we focus on our goals, embrace our passion, and persist despite the challenges that come our way.
So, go ahead, celebrate your success, feel proud of what you've achieved, but do it with humility and gratitude. Success is sweeter when we use it to inspire and uplift others. Let’s make being proud a positive, guilt-free feeling, and let's remember that the more we normalize the celebration of achievements, the less it will feel like bragging and the more it will feel like encouragement for everyone to strive for their best.