What Are You Proud Of?

I was in the water during a recent winter swell and I overheard a conversation. A guy was sharing with his buddy how plastered he got the night before and he was shocked he was able to surf! The waves were a pretty solid size and the water was cold. I was sure his hangover was not making it easy to be in the water. He was definitely proud and had every right to be. I was pretty impressed myself. 

A bit later, another guy I know paddled up to me and we started talking. I’ve seen him in the line up for years, and he always struck me as one of the typical party surfers. Our friendship had been a pretty surface level one. A friend you would see every now and again in the water. 

He started sharing how he and his buddy joined a Bible Study with the University and he just found a church he loves. This was way out of character for him to be sharing this with me. Usually we talk about the waves, what we did the day before and what board we’re riding. Today, he was so PROUD to share this new part of his life… and I was STOKED to hear it. 

It made me reflect a bit on myself. What am I proud to share with others… and what are others proud to share with me? It says a lot about our character and what we make important in our own lives.

Photographer: Bryce Raley