It is okay to be satisfied/pleased with yourself and with your own marked progress and growth as a person. That isn't necessarily the same as smugness or grandiosity. Ah, thank you. I'm the perfectionist child so if I'm having even a tiny mean-spirited thought I think I must be failing!

The brownie points is a great idea. It's so easy for us - people I mean - to focus on the negative. Actively looking for the positive is a great way to counter that.

Finally, I am very pleased that you are gaining something from this conversation! I find your posts and comments to be fascinating. Thank you. Me too with yours. There aren't many people in my life who get me thinking.