[nandm]

Day 5

Pride and Criticism

"Pride is the lack of one's own faults." Hebrew Proverb

There are two kinds of pride: One in which we approve of ourselves and the other in which we cannot accept ourselves. However, once pride is purged of its false properties it becomes a useful tool, a positive factor in growth and self-esteem.

The tenacity with which we holdon to certain characteristics is easy to understand once we realize that these characteristics provide protective armor shielding us from contempt or criticism by others.

None of us welcome criticism. It's simply human nature to view most criticism as destructive---and this makes it difficult to accept when it's meant to be constructive. We try to defend ourselves from it with the same type of energy that we use to defend ourselves from danger, hunger, or disease.

Coming to terms with the destructive side of pride is probably one of the most difficult, yet positive things we can do to break through our exquisite denial system. It's been said that self-pride, which is much like vanity, is like a magnet pointing to only one object----self. As a result, it repels everyone else.

In "The Nun's Story," the Novice who had tried to please her Mother Superior confessed in chapel, "Dear Lord, when I find myself fulfilling all my responsibilities, then I am guilty of the sin and pride."

Today's Step:I can accept true pride as a useful tool.

Step by Step. Muriel Zink