There is this place called "All-About-Me-Ville" and it's growing population is astounding. I should know, I was nestled there for years. I lived right on the corner of Self Ave. and Centered Drive. (LOL) Okay, so you see where i am going with today's blog. Here's the real deal - I moved out of that zone about a year ago. It took several steps for me to officially awaken and grasp the concept of what life would be like if I took a bow on the stage of life and allowed the spot light to shine onto someone else's performance for a while. Truth be told, it was the most freeing sensation I have ever experienced!!!! The irony today is that I run into individuals that still patrol those streets on the daily and I cannot help but bounce back and forth between dumbfounded and frustrated. Not sure if you're one of the residents? Or perhaps you wonder if you have crossed paths with a narcissist? Here is how you can tell:
1) Do you find yourself having to repeat things often? As if their ability to retain information is a struggle? It probably is hard for them to remember things, but that is because it is not about them.
2) When you speak, are they clearly distracted by other thoughts or looking down at their cell phone, engaging in other social exchanges mid-conversation with you?
3) Are you often interrupted? Literally, mid-sentence as if they cannot get out their own personal thoughts and feelings fast enough.
4) When you share a story, do they immediately take that story and trace it back to themselves for a "point of reference" ?
5) Do they make efforts to not just ask how you are doing but actually listen for the response? Or maybe you are just greeted with their list of problems and/or brags as a form of hello?
6) .....how many social media accounts? Really.
7) ....are we talking like Facebook post THROUGHOUT the day, not just a daily post?
8) Selfies. Enough said.
Okay, okay, I am standing down and taking my seat now. Just something i am throwing into the air today. Why? Because I was able to answer EACH one of those questions with an embarrassing "yes." (((I shudder.)))) The magic in this all is that when I am faced with another being who happily sits on their front porch of Me-Town, I am able to recognize myself in his/her behavior as if they were holding up a mirror. It keeps me grounded, balanced, and humble, often reminding me that EVERYONE is on a journey. And, It is not a race. It's just a long long longggg road. Smile and be patient. They will catch up.
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