ego, meet gratitude

a trait that puts my nerves on edge is ego. as soon as it feels like someone needs to call attention to themselves and repeatedly pat themselves on the back, my respect for them ebbs. it's all relative, of course, but there are people who just seem to have insufferable egos who feel the need to verbally flash neon signs extolling their accolades. i generally find a way to exit the conversation or the vicinity at that point.

ego is offputting to me because it feels as if someone's motive for doing something fabulous was all external--recognition, praise, awe, fame. perhaps those with large egos have equally grand insecurities.

but since i am aware that what irritates me in others is often a reflection of what might also irritate me about myself, i am turning a newly opened eye to my own feelings, when they arise, of patting myself on the back. yes, i think for jobs well done, it's fantastic to throw an inner celebration. and maybe even do a happy dance. but to boast or feel any puffed up sense of pride or inflated sense of worth about it borders on dicey ego territory.

so when i get compliments on a job well done, for example, i immediately ground in gratitude. gratitude is my source. there is always a collective of conditions and support that enable us, even if our accomplishment might appear to be an individual effort. i'm grateful to have done good work. i'm grateful to work with people who i want to do my best for and with. i'm grateful to have work. i'm grateful for challenges and for the opportunity to be creative.

and then there are always my foundational gratitudes, which are i am grateful for good health, good fortune, loving family and friends, wonderful support in life, for my pups, for continuing to stretch and grow, and for getting back on track when i stumble.

so with all the gratitude going on, there is no room for ego. ego is empty calories with no sustenance and potential cavities. ego is cotton candy... with a sugar crash to follow. gratitude is fortifying--it is both poached salmon AND dark chocolate brownies.

ego, meet gratitude.

liz