Proud lists

One of the questions I’ve been introducing into my conversations recently is ‘What are you most proud of?’. I love this question as it gets people to look positively into their past and tell you some gems about themselves. It’s a great way not only to encourage reflection, but also to get to know the people around you deeper (especially if they go deep with the question, more below).

It’s the time of year for big reflection for me. It usually happens from December, New Year, then Chinese New Year (I love the fact that different countries around the world celebrate New Years at different times, and again in April I get to celebrate with my Thai, Cambodian and Nepali friends’ New Years, it’s a chance to either start the year afresh again, or just celebrate the diversity and beautiful cultural practices of the human race), and of course my birthday, being at the start of the year it’s helpful to me to create ongoing reflection (and potential modification) as the year sets off.

The question ‘What are you most proud of?’ I immediately reflect on my career achievements, the work I did as a lawyer, the awards, the government work, the massive amounts of volunteer work I have done and continue to do. But once I skip over this external stuff, I go deeper. I have realised that some of the core values and ways I interact with the world, is far more profound for me. It may be for you too.

Here are the 4 things I am most proud of. It may be a starting point for your reflections and questions for those around you. Try this question out on your family members, friends and even work colleagues. It’s a great way to get to know those around you, better. And even if you think you know what they might say, they may surprise you, or you can take them deeper by asking (if they focus on external achievements and you’d like to go deeper) what ongoing values they’ve demonstrated in their lives that they are most proud of.

Contributing to planetary peace

Without question on the the things I’m most proud of is 21 years of minimising violence in my life and this marvellous planet we call home. And on a daily basis, working towards peace. This is 21 years of being a strict vegetarian and the last 5 years of being mostly vegan. I am super proud of this.

Commitment to reflection and healing

The next proudest thing for me is my individual commitment to reflect, process and heal. It’s no secret I come from a challenging background (which many of us do) and my personal commitment to taking responsibility for my emotions, my actions and life I really admire in myself. 

Commitment to kind

I am super proud of my commitment to kind. Kindness and compassion are the cornerstones in which I act in the world. When so many people are so hard on themselves and those around them, I use and practice kind as much as I can.

Commitment to making the world a better, more compassionate place

In all the various work and volunteer work I have done since I was a teenager, and throughout my working career in Australia and now across the world I love contributing in a multitude of ways to the people and communities I interact with. I know on a daily basis I’m creating change. And that is more than amazing for me.

And I would love to hear yours!