L.O.S.T: When Pride Costs Us Everything That Matters
How to reclaim the connection before it's too late. Some people die proud... and painfully alone. Others find peace before it’s too late. Which one will you be?
The Tragedy of Pride
“Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.”
— Ezra Taft Benson
Pride builds walls. It convinces us that being right is more important than being whole. It isolates us under the illusion of strength, when in fact it leaves us fragile and alone.
We are not meant to live like islands. We are wired for connection — for family, for friendship, for community. And yet pride whispers: “Stay angry. Stay safe. They don’t deserve you.”
But safe from what? From love? From belonging? From the very people who could walk life’s journey with us?
Letting go isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.
The Illusion of Time
“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”
— Harriet Beecher Stowe
We think we have time, time to make amends, time to say the words that matter. But one day, and we don’t know when, that time will run out. And all that will remain is regret.
Peace over being right. Choose it before time chooses for you.
The Poison We Drink
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
— Buddha (attributed)
Anger doesn’t protect us. It consumes us. It keeps us chained to old wounds, preventing us from moving forward and healing.
I've carried pride like armour, too. I made mistakes and was too proud to forgive myself. It cost me more than I care to admit. And it never gave me what I hoped for.
Every bridge begins with one small step.
L.O.S.T. vs. P.A.T.H.
Here's the cost of pride... and the way back to peace:
| L.O.S.T. (The Cost of Pride) | P.A.T.H. (The Way Forward) |
|---|---|
| L — Lost in memories Clinging to what was or what should have been. |
P — Pause and reflect |
| O — Overgrown with hurts Watering old wounds daily. |
A — Acknowledge the hurt (theirs and yours) |
| S — Stubborn beyond reason Longing for peace but refusing to yield. |
T — Take the first step |
| T — Torn from connection Too afraid or ashamed to reconnect. |
H — Heal through humility It takes strength to say, 'I want to make this right.' |
A Call to Reflection
This is not about blame. It’s about choice.
What will matter in the end?
The trophies of being right — or the hand you held, the words you spoke, the love you shared?
There is always time to make things better until there isn’t.
If you see a chance to heal, take it.
If you see a chance to grow, take it.
If you see a chance to love, take it.
But how?
Choose your P.A.T.H. back:
Pause.
Acknowledge.
Take the step.
Heal.
The only thing that keeps us lost... is standing still.
There is still time. There is still hope. The path is yours to walk — one step at a time.
Reflection Prompt for You
Where could you take the first step today?
What would choosing your P.A.T.H. look like in your life?
Now... pause. Let those questions land. Don’t rush past them. Don’t scroll away too quickly.
Because this isn’t just a message for someone else, this is for you.
Somewhere in your life, there’s a bridge waiting to be built. And it starts with just one step.
So, please take it and find:
Peace over being right.
Every bridge begins with one small step.
Letting go isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.
You get to choose your ending.
Gary Good
Founder, LeaderLegacy
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