I’m not really into New Year’s resolutions, but I thought that this year it might be nice to have a goal.
And there’s something that I’ve been thinking about, and I’m not digging it at all. Are you ready? I think I’m self-absorbed.
Now, I have friends that have nodded, ‘Yes, yes. You are.’ And I’ve had friends that have argued that you need to be self-absorbed in order to survive in this world – as a writer, as a woman, as a mother, as the person on the other end of the relationship. ‘It’s really not self-absorption, they say, it’s self-preservation, self-esteem, maintaining your sense of self.’
And I see both sides. So, my resolution, then, is to study this, to watch it – to explore both sides. When is it self-absorption and when is it self-preservation? When should it be changed, when should it be clung to and treasured?
I like my self-imposed task because there’s no New Year’s resolution set-up. I can’t really get it wrong or fall off the wagon – like you can with a diet. But, hopefully, I’ll learn something, become more self-aware and find my self in the world just a little more, well, diggable.
Though, and here’s the kicker, in order to carry out this task? I kind of have to be a little self-absorbed. Hmmm….
What about you? Something you’re itching to explore? Work on? Change?
p.s. Oh, also – I’m going to start each day at my computer writing the short – (as in 10-15 minutes max) – story of how I want my day, month, year, life to go. As in, if you write it, it will come.
Image credit: debaird
I don’t think they’re necessarily mutually exclusive. Self-absorption and self-preservation drive together along one of the 2 lane roads with the dotted lines. One passes the other once in a while, but it’s not a race.
I love the idea of “if you write it, it will come.” I’m so stealing this for my writing this year. It’s great visualization!
Hey Ilinap! Happy new year! Great insight…I totally agree! Very interwoven concepts.
Amanda! Steal away…and let me know how it works out.
Love the “if you write it, it will come.”
This year, I’m going to:
1) Learn how to ice skate
2) Put duct tape over the demons in my head
3) Have multiple orgasms
I like to aim high. If you’d ever seen me on ice skates, then you would know that #1 will be the most difficult one for me to accomplish.
Alisa,
Please send photos of duct-taped demons in your head.
Happy New Year, all!
It’s self-absorption when all you do is navel gaze and never lift your eyes to the rest of the world, which I don’t think you are guilty of.
Can I steal your idea for starting the day with a “If you write it, it will come,” session? Awesome!
I like it! I am pretty much doing the same thing…with one little twist.
I plan on meeting my own personal needs so that I can be a better me for others. I don’t really know how I am going to do this yet but, I feel I can get it done.