I’m not proud. I’m not proud to be an American. Of course, I’m not proud of my nation, gender, race, religion, class, body, facial features, hair, tenacity, perseverance, or intelligence. None of these things are of any personal merit to be proud. Any successes I may achieve are the product of a combination of these gifts I received at birth. I am THANKFUL for gifts I receive, but never proud. I’ve realized that pride is a slippery slope. When I’m prideful, I feel the need to PROVE my worth, to give the people a reason to AGREE with my pride. But I have nothing to prove, and neither do you. I am me, you are you. This is who we are, with the gifts we have been given. I have chosen to replace pride with gratitude: to experience a more enjoyable journey and true freedom. ❤️ #giveThanks #freedom