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Self-absorption or Self-preservation?

By December 31, 2009How To

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

Join the discussion 12 Comments

  • ilinap says:

    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.

  • Amanda says:

    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!

  • Julie Roads says:

    Hey Ilinap! Happy new year! Great insight…I totally agree! Very interwoven concepts.

  • Julie Roads says:

    Amanda! Steal away…and let me know how it works out.

  • Alisa Bowman says:

    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.

  • Edgy Mama says:

    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!

  • Joker_SATX says:

    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.

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