I'm proud of you.

Doesn't that just feel so good to hear?

“I’m proud of you.” I’ve found this to be my favorite response or feedback to friends lately. And it fits most situations, I’ve figured out.

You made it through a tough week?

“I’m proud of you.”

You said ’no’ and protected your peace?

“I’m proud of you.”

You didn’t punch that incessantly annoying coworker?

“I’m proud of you.”

You went for a walk rather than scrolled for 30 minutes?

“I’m proud of you.”

You scrolled for 30 minutes to foster connection with your community?

“I’m proud of you.”

You finished a whole bag of lettuce before it wilted into sea slop?

“I’m proud of you.”

You didn’t give up?

“I’m so proud of you.”

There’s always a rhyme or reason why I am proud of the people around me. Even strangers.

I’m proud of them for getting up that day and nurturing themselves. I’m proud of the other runners and walkers I meet along the trail for lacing up those shoes and getting to it. I’m proud of the other parents at school drop-off for getting their kids there in one piece and with all 4 layers of wi…