Last night I had the opportunity to get upset over something someone close to me said.

I felt my ego rise, and recognized it. "There you are ego." I said to myself. "You're going to be okay. This will pass."

And as I felt it rise, I watched it and gave comfort. "This wont last long." I thought. "Watch it, and let it go." I reminded my ego.

And over a few minutes, I felt calm. I recognized the intent of the other person, looking past their words, and I practiced empathy.

Be kind to yourself.

@Mrfunkedude Bravo.

We all need to do this more often.

I see so much entitlement at my work, and from customers, and in others in my day-to-day life. And it only stresses out others and the situation.

I’ve actively been working on the same problem of too much self-focus. But then, I guess from the rarity of that introspection, I do notice how off-guard it catches so many people.

Occasionally at work I’m asked when I’d like my break, and I say when it’s least problematic for work flow. Unless I really need to eat or get off my feet or whatever, 99% of the time, it doesn’t affect me when it is.

If I’m free for a bit, I’ll ask the manager or shift lead what has to get done — where I’d be the most use right now — and then just go do that thing with zero complaint or bitterness. It’s not about if I want to do it or not. I’m at work. It’s work that has to get done. So go do it.

Removing our egos from situations more often would make SO much of life go more smoothly for everyone.

That doesn’t mean getting walked all over and mistreated — there are limits, of course — but realizing that so much of what we take personally isn’t personal at all puts things in a better perspective.

@reay People struggle to understand that you can let go of your ego, and still not allow others to mistreat you.

It comes in recognizing the intent of the other person. In my case, once I let me ego drop, I was able to recognize that the issue wasn't with me but with how the other person felt about having a stressful day.

However if someone is just being mean and spiteful, I find it's best just to remove myself from the discussion. Again recognizing that the problem isn't with me.

@Mrfunkedude I’ve gotten a lot out of this book, as well, which uses a lot of the Buddhist removal of ego aspect and frames it in some ways that people will probably find more approachable and practical.
@reay @Mrfunkedude I know this book. It’s the one my wife read right before telling me she wanted a divorce.
@FeloniousPunk @reay so you recommend it then? 😆
@Mrfunkedude @reay tbh, I haven’t read it yet but, I’m already not a fan.

@FeloniousPunk @reay I dunno. Something tells me it might be a good book for you too. 😆

All jokes aside, I hope that you both find your peace.