Things like this don’t happen overnight. They happen because we aren’t paying attention. We aren’t paying attention to those around us, how much we eat, how much alcohol we drink. Therefore we wake up one day years later alone, or obese, or an alcoholic and believe it happened suddenly. Things like this happen because we are self centered(self with a little s) rather than Self centered. I’m speaking from experience here.
The more I do for others without expecting anything in return(difficult for me) the easier it becomes. I’ve heard it called “fake it until you make it”. In another thread someone wrote about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are all great tools to help us transform from who we don’t want to be into who we do want to be.
Also I generally see myself much differently than others perceive me. I believe we are much harder on ourselves than others are on us. I also believe that when someone is labeling me as good, generous, arrogant, obnoxious, helpful, self centered, they are seeing traits in me that they either value-good, generous,-or hate-self centered, obnoxious, that they have. I know when I take the time to look in the mirror this is what I see in me when I think either ill or good of someone else. So don’t be too fixated on what others think, but do make an effort to become a better, more caring person. We can all improve in this department.
May you be filled with loving kindness. May you be well. May you be peaceful and at ease. May you be happy.
