Celebrating Who You Are, Not What You Are
When was the last time you paused and said to yourself, “I’m proud of me”?
Not because you achieved something big or ticked off a major milestone - but simply because of how you showed up. Because of the patience you offered, the resilience you found, or the courage you leaned into, even when things felt hard.
I was reminded of this recently as I finally completed my Postgrad in Neuroscience. Of course, the qualification itself is an achievement. But what I’m most proud of isn’t the certificate - it’s the resilience, hard work, and tenacity that finally got me there. That, to me, feels more valuable than the end result: knowing I chose to persevere even when it was difficult.
So often we celebrate outcomes: the promotion, the finished degree, the achievement everyone else can see. But beneath those outcomes lies something far more important - our values. Who we are while moving through life. And that is worth celebrating just as much, if not more.Why values matter more than outcomes
Our culture teaches us to measure worth by achievement. But it’s important to remind ourselves that what truly shapes our wellbeing isn’t just the outcome, it’s the process - and how we experience ourselves along the way.
The brain’s reward system lights up not only when we hit a big goal, but also when we acknowledge smaller efforts and moments of integrity. Every time you notice yourself living in alignment with your values, whether that’s patience, honesty, courage, or compassion, you reinforce powerful neural pathways that build confidence, resilience, and self-trust.
This is why celebrating who you are (not just what you do) creates a deeper, steadier foundation for wellbeing.
Happiness vs. satisfaction
Happiness is beautiful, but it’s fleeting. It comes and goes depending on circumstances: good news, a sunny day, or a kind word. Satisfaction, however, is different.
Satisfaction arises from living authentically, guided by the values that matter most to you. It doesn’t vanish when life throws challenges your way, it stays with you because it comes from the inside out.
This is something I return to often in Rest & Rise and Her Nurtured Life courses: when we live aligned with our deepest values, we cultivate purpose, peace, and joy that last.
Remember—celebrating yourself doesn’t always need to be loud or public. It can be a quiet acknowledgement, a deep breath of gratitude, or simply a pause to say, “Yes. That was me showing up as the woman I want to be.”
Be proud of the milestones, yes. But be even prouder of the values you live by each day. That’s where lasting satisfaction, and true self-worth, are found.
✍️ Journal Prompt
Take a moment now and ask yourself:
Where have I shown up with strength, even when life was messy?
What values have I been honouring, even in small ways?
What part of myself can I feel proud of today?