Today I work up with the realization I suffer from “self-centeredness” on any given day. SMACK! When I walked back into recovery, I was unaware of how often I actually did this. I rationalized and justified everything I did. I thought I was being responsible. I thought I was hard working (in other words a workaholic). Slowly but surely I have found out what the true meaning of “self-centeredness” is and how selfish I truly was (or can be).
Self-centered is defined as “concerned solely with one’s own desires, needs, or interests”. I used to say this wasn’t me! Then I looked at some other words for self-centeredness and they included egotistical, narcissistic, self-absorbed, selfish, self-involved, and I didn’t think I was any of those either. Yes, I was an only-child. Yes, I was spoiled – I was an only child, an only grandchild and an only niece BUT….. You know what they say “everything that comes after the word “but” is BS! When I thought of egotistical or narcissistic, I thought of people who were so full of themselves, I mean they actually loved themselves. Most days I don’t love myself and there are even the occasional days when I don’t like myself so how could I be self-centered?
My first time around in recovery, I didn’t grasp this concept. I became a workaholic and as I was recently told – “I thought your clients came before us, even though you were there for the important things”. SMACK! So, this is a concept I am trying hard to understand.
“I choose relationships wisely and nurture them intentionally.”
Okay, so I may choose relationships wisely but I definitely didn’t nurture them. WHY? Because I didn’t know how. YIKES! Think about it. When there is turmoil in your relationships, it impacts your whole life. As a result, my relapse and road to being totally self-centered has effected my business, and my personal life. It has ruined friendships, it has left me sitting on a “pity pot” and struggling to figure out the difference between being self-centered and being responsible. You would think at the ripe old age of 61, I would know the difference.
The truth is I struggle with building strong relationships and maintaining them. Even in the relationships I didn’t choose – family members or coworkers – I mean they need to be nurtured in order to be strong and healthy too. So, I went from people pleasing (pre-recovery), to workaholic (recovery) to self-centeredness (relapse) to relearning the things I learned in kindergarten about making friends. Talk about a roller coaster. Along the way has been filled with a lack of confidence and fear which causes me to become (or at least appear to be) self-involved. I may not always say “ME, ME, ME” although I am grateful for people in my life who lovingly point out to me when I am being “self-centered”. It is always like a lightbulb going off.
I know this is totally a ramble and for some they will tune out because they have healthy relationships. They are able to make the best of those relationships by setting strong boundaries, building trust where they can, and expressing gratitude when others are a blessing to them. For those few people who may relate, take it from one who has learned the hard way….. self-centeredness doesn’t always mean we say “me” or “I”, it can come out through our actions. Do you justify and rationalize everything you do to make sure your plans stay in take?
So, for today I challenge you to ask yourself this powerful question:
What one gesture could I make today to strengthen one of my important relationships?
Are you already feeling the panic? What if if you made a simple phone call of support to encourage someone? What if you wrote a thank you note to someone for something that touched your heart? What if you put your phone away and gave your undivided attention to the person you are sitting next to? My simple gesture lately has been to put my phone away and be present in the moment. Is it tough, without a doubt!
Believe it or not these small gestures strengthen the bonds of a relationship, any relationship. We can’t achieve our goals or meet our needs alone – we need people. And people need us. So, if you think any of these may be you…. step out of your comfort zone and make a gesture – no matter how small.
Wonder why you are struggling in your business? Wonder why you scroll through social media thinking the grass is always greener? The truth is those who are most resilient and successful have strong relationships.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 