Before we get into today's topic, I am super excited to announce that my second book, Opening Up, is now available as an audiobook on Audible! So, whether you prefer to read or listen, you can check it out and take in all the insights and wisdom at your own pace.

Now, onto something that's been weighing on my mind lately: the danger of pride. As human beings, pride is one of the most challenging things to battle because it often feels like self-defense or self-preservation. But the truth is that pride can cloud our judgment, damage our relationships, and even lead to disastrous consequences.

Let me give you an example. Last weekend, I was driving my family to lunch when I made a wrong turn and nearly caused a collision on the passenger side of the car where my wife was seated. Understandably, she was upset and immediately told me, "Don't ever do that again." But instead of owning up to my mistake and apologizing, I lashed out and attacked her for how she spoke to me. In reality, she was expressing her fear and sternly expressing the fear and discomfort that I caused her. And I had the nerve to be frustrated, but I was embarrassed, and my pride activated.

At that moment, my pride took over, and I couldn't accept that I had made a mistake that could have endangered my family. But as soon as I calmed down and stepped back, I realized how foolish I had been. My wife was rightfully scared, and instead of supporting her, I worsened the situation.

This incident reminded me how damaging pride can be in our relationships at home and in the workplace. It can cause us to lash out, blame others, and even damage our reputations. But the good news is that we can learn to overcome our pride by practicing humility and owning up to our mistakes.

So, if you've ever found yourself in a situation where your pride got the better of you, here are some questions to help you process those emotions:

- What specifically triggered your pride in that situation?
- How did your pride impact your behavior and your words?
- What could you have done differently to approach the situation more humbly?
- Are there any patterns of pride you've observed in yourself, and how can you work on addressing them?

Remember, owning up to our mistakes and showing humility is not a sign of weakness but strength and maturity. If you find yourself struggling with pride and need someone to talk to, I encourage you to reach out to trusted people, professionals, or friends, don't hesitate to contact me at info@geraldzgabay.com.

And once again, if you still need to check out my audiobook, Opening Up, head over to Audible and listen. There are valuable insights on how to improve your relationships and communication skills.