“When I think of the long history of the self on a journey to becoming a whole self, I get tired. It was the kind of trip you keep making, over and over again…”
Poem by Naomi Shahib Nye
How many times have you heard someone say to another person (maybe you), “You’re too self-centered? All you think about is yourself.”
Really? Of course I am preoccupied with myself. It’s ludicrous to think otherwise. Are we not raised to be independent and responsible for ourselves? Yet when we do so we can somehow get labeled “self-centered.” Perhaps there is some confusion with self-centered and selfishness.
Being Self-Centered is a Good Choice
To me, self-centered is simply admitting the truth that the bulk of my life is all about dealing with my stuff, including: love, service, creativity, adventure, learning, discovery, moral consciousness, open-mindedness… wow, it’s a never-ending list. And it’s all about me. Even when I serve or give, it is me that makes some choice to do so. Yes, it is my choice.
So is there a problem with being too self-centered? Sure there is. The demons show themselves when self-centered denigrates to being inordinately self-consumed at the expense of others. It’s when I use people, ignore people, or hurt people. It’s when my needs most always take precedence over just about anyone or anything else.
So this thought leads me to reconsider a life of self-centeredness. I live to enjoy my brief life to the fullest and help others do the same.
It’s is all up to me to make that choice, a rather self-centered choice. I’d have it no other way. Yes, it requires sacrifice—a choice to do so. Yes, it requires compassion—another choice. Yes, it requires contributing to the value of society—yet another choice.
So… Make the Choice!
And ironically, it is a self-centered choice that gives me pleasure in helping others and having exciting experiences.
Want a great life? It’s all up to you and your choices.
Wherever I go, who is there? Me!
So I am obligated to make the most of it.
Photo courtesy of Moussa81 at istockphoto
