June

Standing Proud

As June unfolds in its full summer glory, I find myself reflecting on the theme of pride—not just celebratory pride, but the deeper kind that means standing tall in who you are, regardless of your circumstances, achievements, or perceived shortcomings. There's something profound about learning to hold yourself with dignity, especially when life doesn't go according to plan.

This kind of pride isn't about arrogance or superiority; it's about self-respect and the quiet confidence that comes from accepting yourself as worthy of love and belonging, exactly as you are.

What would it look like for you to stand a little taller in your own life?

I've been practicing this art of standing proud even when things don't go as expected. Recently, I experienced a professional disappointment that my old patterns would have turned into harsh self-judgment. Instead, I found myself catching that familiar inner critic and choosing a different response—one that honored both my disappointment and my inherent worth. Standing proud doesn't mean we don't feel the sting of setbacks; it means we don't let those setbacks define our sense of self.

This pride isn't something we earn through achievement—it's something we claim through self-compassion.

So, I'll ask again. Where in your life are you ready to stand taller?

Here are some ways to cultivate authentic pride and self-regard:

• Separate worth from outcome - Practice recognizing that your value as a person isn't determined by your successes or failures.

• Celebrate small victories - Acknowledge your efforts and growth, not just major accomplishments.

• Practice self-compassion - When you notice self-critical thoughts, pause and ask "Would I speak to a good friend this way?" Then consciously shift to a more compassionate voice.

• Honor your uniqueness - Embrace the qualities that make you distinctly you, rather than comparing yourself to others.

• Stand in your truth - Be authentic in your relationships and choices, even when it feels vulnerable.

  
  

Remember that standing proud is both a daily practice and a way of being in the world. It asks us to show up with dignity, regardless of external validation or approval.

This month's quick tip:

The Daily Stand

Start each morning with this simple ritual: Stand in front of a mirror, feet firmly planted, shoulders back. Look yourself in the eye and say one thing you appreciate about who you are—not what you've accomplished, but who you are. It might be "I appreciate my kindness" or "I value my persistence" or simply "I'm glad I'm here."

This isn't about positive affirmations or fake confidence. It's about practicing the physical and emotional stance of self-regard. The act of standing tall while acknowledging your inherent worth creates a foundation of dignity that you can return to throughout the day.

When challenging moments arise, you can remember this morning stance—the feeling of being grounded in your own worth, regardless of external circumstances.

You are much more than your job, your title, or what anyone else might think.

Women’s Group Update:

I'm delighted to share that our June 12th women's group session was another wonderful experience! The conversations about managing difficult emotions during transitions and practical decision-making tools were rich and meaningful. I continue to be amazed by the wisdom and vulnerability each participant brings to our circle.

Our July gathering details are as follows:

• Next session: Wednesday, July 17th at 4 PM ET

• July topics: Emotional Wellbeing & Forward Movement

• Group size: 8 participants max for our intimate, supportive environment

• Meeting cadence: Monthly allowing for integration and practice between sessions

• Investment: $27 per session with pay-as-you-go flexibility (starting in July)

• Future consideration: TBD as our community continues to evolve

If you'd like to join our July session or learn more about the group, please reply to this email. The supportive community we're building continues to exceed my expectations! For that and each of you, I am grateful.

June’s Natural Pride

During my waterfront runs this month, I've been struck by something beautiful: every tree, flower, and plant stands exactly as it is, without apology or pretense. The towering oak doesn't diminish itself because it's not as delicate as the wildflowers at its base. The small beach roses don't try to compete with the dramatic rugosa blooms nearby. Each plant simply stands in its own authentic expression.

As I headed inland, I noticed a lone pine tree on a rocky outcrop that has clearly weathered many storms—its trunk is bent, its branches asymmetrical, yet it stands with undeniable dignity. It doesn't apologize for not growing straight or tall like the pines in more protected areas. It simply is what it has become through its unique journey. Oh, how I wish I could own this important lesson more frequently and fully.

The natural world teaches us that pride—true pride—isn't about being the biggest, most productive, or most beautiful. It's about standing authentically in your own skin, honoring your journey, and taking up your rightful space in the world.

Nature shows no shame about its variations, its imperfections, or its different seasons of productivity. There's profound wisdom in this unconditional self-acceptance.

What would change in your life if you could stand as proudly and authentically as that weathered pine? What would you stop apologizing for? How might you take up your rightful space in the world with the same natural dignity that surrounds us everywhere we look?

"The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spite of being unacceptable.” —Paul Tillich

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." —C.G. Jung