Please stick with me for a minute and let me explain because this is literally a very emotive subject. Pride is the emotion from approval and connection from others. It is a natural response that we all feel, but it is a massively important part of the coming year. If we can help people change their reaction and what they think about their pride, then we can make a massive difference.
It’s really simple. It is all to do with rules and the fact that people hate them.
The reason they hate them is because of how we feel when we get caught breaking them. It hurts our pride, being told off stings. That means that following the rules feels like we are weak and compliant, and breaking them makes us feel strong.
We all feel the emotional response but how we react is a choice. Here are a few things we can do to help.
1. DON’T JUST LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE SAY, TRY AND UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE SAYING IT.
This is the pride equivalent of counting to ten. Wearing a mask is there to protect people. If you think people, the police, government, teachers or whoever are trying to control you via face coverings? Sorry, but seek help.
2. YOU CAN USE OTHER EMOTIONS TO COUNTER YOUR ANGER.
Religions have used this effectively for millennia. Guilt is especially useful because the reality is that you should feel guilty if you do not take reasonable precautions to protect the vulnerable. Even the argument ‘It’s my health, and I can do want I want.’ doesn’t work because your right to not wear a mask does not give you the freedom to kill people. You have no idea (NONE) if you are an asymptomatic carrier right now.
3. THERE ARE OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF.
There are hundreds of thousands of people who are doing the tough stuff. They are putting themselves in harm’s way; they are caring for people, or just taking their part of the responsibility and THEY are what you should feel proud of and a part of when you do the same. You should feel especially proud when you do it against the flow, such as when people want to sneer or take the easy route.
