Low Self-Esteem vs. Ego
Self-esteem means “I am proud of myself for what I have done” with no ego involved. It says, “I know I can do it.”
Ego says, “I’m not sure I can do it, but I am going to bluff my way through it.” It is boastful, bragging. It says, “Look at me,” “Look at what I can do,” “Look at what I have.” Ego is always striving for attention. Ego has no knowledge base so it diverts attention to the self.
With a good self-esteem, you know you can do something. It is confidence, will, and knowledge. When one has self-confidence, there is no need to boast or draw attention to the self. There is no need to put someone else down in order to make “me” look good.
A person with a good self-esteem does not need to “toot their own horn.” Others will know what they can do by their actions.
A person with a good self-esteem is actively working to help others without looking for recognition for the self. The more we are in service to others, the less we are in service to the self.
Lack of self-esteem is not knowing what you can do. A person with no self-esteem has stepped off their spiritual path. They say, “I don’t know” often. They look to others constantly for advice on what they should do. They give their power away.
When you have a healthy self-esteem, you know what you can and cannot accomplish. A person with low self-esteem will not be able to tell you what they can do.
A good self-esteem knows who they are. They love and accept themselves for who they are and what they have become. A good self-esteem lifts others up instead of tearing them down.
You are the one who creates your world by how you view it, how you take life in, and how you perceive life to be. Be honest with yourself. How do you view your world? This is your perspective. It is not necessarily truth. If you ask someone else, they may have a different perspective. Even more reason to form your own opinion instead of letting someone else do it for you. Do not give your power away. Find your own truth.
Everything we do is based on our perception of what we believe to be the truth. It is not necessarily THE truth. We may not be seeing the whole picture. We may be clouded by our own emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. Stand back. Take a look at the situation from another point of view. You may be surprised at what you see.
How do we guard against the ego? Watch your thoughts. Watch your words for they validate your thoughts. Watch your actions, an even stronger validation. Watch the way you feel. The ego is intoxicating. It will puff you up like a rooster and make you feel cocky.
The ego is self-serving. It is doing what is best for you instead of what is best for all concerned.
Ego controls love. Ego does not care about others unless it benefits the self. True love is unconditional.
Ego is envy and jealousy. It is being afraid “someone else may be better or more important than me” or that someone “may do it first.”
Ego is drama, another way to get attention. The more we connect with drama, the more we will attract. It is a vicious cycle.
Ego is control. It is the desire to feel powerful, to be powerful, to have power over another. Ego is acting like a spoiled child—we want everything our way. “Let go and Let God.”
Ego is blame—blaming someone or something else for our own shortcomings, for our own bad health, for our own misfortunes. It is not accepting responsibility for what we have created. There are no victims in life—only co-creators of circumstances.
Ego is feeling like you “own” someone or something. It is feeling like someone “owes” you.
We own nothing in life. Everything is “borrowed” from God. We do not take anything with us when we go Home.
The ego is many things—all deeply rooted in fear. Where fear exists, love cannot. As long as we need the ego, as long as we need fear, we will have it. It’s time to let go. It’s time to love. God is love.
EGO is an acronym for “Edging God Out.” Whenever you point your finger at someone else, there are always four fingers pointing back at you. It is time to let go of the ego and gain a deeper connection with God.
Blessings on your journey!
With much love, Pat