My ultimate strength

When my first response to a suggestion or advice is rejection

When my first thought is I know better

I can be sure I don’t know better

When my grievance about the messenger

Or my thirst for revenge

Or my contempt for their intelligence

Dismisses their message

The only one who suffers is me

I may think I am getting even

Displaying my strength

Exercising my independence

Underlining my superiority

Their annoyance or perplexity might spark triumph within me

But the truth is

I have not scored points against them

They will get on with their productive lives

While I continue on a path of self-depletion

Stewing in anger and self-pity

Driving this self-destruction is my false pride

I must get rid of it

Embrace humility

My ultimate strength