Pride vs. Ego: Insights from The Recovery Atheist
Are you walking around with pride, a healthy pride, a pride that says that you are proud of your accomplishments and what you're doing, and you're using that to help others and to help yourselves and become one with the universe that way, or are you using ego?
Ever wondered where the line is between healthy pride and destructive ego? In this episode of 'The Recovery Atheist', host Del Bacon dives into this very topic, offering a fresh perspective on how these emotions play out in the journey of recovery. Del kicks things off by clarifying that while pride and ego often get lumped together, they’re far from the same. Healthy pride is about feeling good for genuine achievements and using that positivity to uplift others.
Ego, however, is rooted in a sense of superiority and can lead to harmful behaviors, especially for those in recovery. Del warns that ego can be a slippery slope for anyone trying to stay sober. Feeling invincible after a period of sobriety can lead to complacency and, ultimately, relapse. He stresses the need for humility and the constant willingness to learn and grow. This episode also delves into practical coping skills.
Del shares his personal strategy of using notebooks to track lies he had told, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and honesty in recovery. He believes that having effective coping mechanisms is crucial for making thoughtful decisions when faced with challenges. Throughout the discussion, Del emphasizes the power of helping others. He argues that recovery is easier when experienced individuals take the time to relate to newcomers and offer support without judgment.
He acknowledges that not everyone in recovery is always supportive, but stresses that fostering an inclusive and understanding community can make a significant difference. The episode wraps up with a call to action: embrace healthy pride, stay humble, and keep learning. 'Pride or Ego???' offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of recovery.