Which Pride?

Blog 270:

Pride …
That’s off the top gratification
It is joy over an accomplishment
It is the feeling of exceeding joy at conclusions of tasks
Or satisfaction after a grueling ordeal overcome

Honorable pride …
That’s what raises self-esteem beyond self-respect
It is fulfillment of goals and dreams
It is dignity claimed unselfishly

Pride chokes, however …
When arrogance seizes the best out of modesty
Or it fills one’s being with deceit and smugness
Pride snatches humility
 
Dark pride …
That’s the worst anyone could clutch
Egotism steals all the delight out of joyful pride
Vanity isolates a soul from awesome persona
Superiority cuts and stings to the core
Until all delight and every gain is crushed … lost!