28 - Obsession with Self

We are in interesting times ... Mental Disorders are on the rise, and it's our fault.  I thought that disorders were from a condition that we could not control - something genetic or environmental (age old question, there!) ... but I think we could come to the conclusion soon that we can bring on our own disorders.  And, when we don't know we are doing it ... then it can be a bit scary.

My brother and I have often discussed this topic in relation to people around us - self-obsession or egotism.  Our conversation has since taken a more personal turn as we have begun to peel back the superficial layer of the appearance-obsessed around us.  Daily gym visits, money on skin products and procedures to eliminate wrinkles, diets to see that 'magic number', achieving the label of 'cougar', and I'm sure it continues just as strong for men.  To the point of broken relationships, bullying and suicide, self-hatred ... and the self-obsession propaganda that proliferate Facebook and other social media.  To quote some I've seen: "Happiness starts with You - not with your relationships, not with your job, not with your money, but with you." Who?  the self, the ego. Or, a personal favourite that is 'all about me' ... "If they miss you, they will call. If they want you, they'll say it. If they care, they'll show it. And if not, they're not worth your time."  Am I the only one that sees the arrogance and self-centeredness in this quote? It has nothing to do with the challenges or difficulties the other person might be going through, just that 'my' needs are not being met. And the ever-lovely: "Sometimes you just have to throw on a crown and show them who they're dealing with." Ummm .... see it?  And, mark my words, it is not going to be getting better.  Just so long as 'I' am happy, then nothing else matters, and I'm always, right, correct?  Oh my.

Gratitude Moments for Today
1/ Today, I'm grateful for running into Linda at my nail place before Christmas - today, she did my hair and I'm glad to have found her!  We see similar on things, which is great!
2/ Today, I'm grateful the sunshine - people are complaining of the cold weather again, and the fact is that it's around -10, which really is not bad, and the sun is shining, which is really quite good!
3/ Today, I'm grateful for PN - I get the feeling that she really is trying to help me, not only with ideas but also with encouragement.
4/ Today, I'm grateful for getting a call from RA.  Hearing her voice is always nice.
5/ Today, I'm grateful for my warm bed ... I really need to benefit from that earlier in the day! In other words, I need to go to bed earlier so I can enjoy my pre-heated bed earlier in the day.