The Little Boss in Me

Hi,

It's late, but the hum of the washing machine signals my designated "thinking and writing" time! There's something truly therapeutic about these quiet moments, especially when I get to spill all the thoughts that have been renting space in the rooms of my brain onto the page. Seriously, I always feel so much lighter and clearer after I write.

Life can be a funny thing, right? We're all out here trying our best, juggling responsibilities, chasing dreams, and sometimes, trying to figure out if that weird noise in the car is serious or not. Amidst all this, there's often one tiny little thing that trips us up more than anything else: ourselves. More specifically, that sneaky little thing called ego.

Peeling back the layers of my ego through self-reflection.

Imagine your ego as a mini-boss inside your head. It’s the part that really likes to be right, look good, and maybe even show off a little. It’s like that friend who always wants to choose the restaurant, even if you’re craving sushi and they know you don't favour pizza. Sometimes, this mini-boss gets a bit too loud, and it stops us from seeing things clearly or making smart choices.

For example, maybe you're trying to decide on a new project at work. Your ego might whisper, "Just say yes! You're super capable! Don't let anyone think you can't handle it!" even if deep down, you know you're already swamped. Or maybe you messed up, and your ego shouts, "It wasn't your fault! Blame the coffee machine!" instead of letting you learn from the mistake. It’s in these moments that your ego can actually keep you from making the best decision for you. It pulls you into its shadow, where you can't see the full picture.

So, how do we get this mini-boss to chill out and let us lead? It all starts with being honest with yourself. And I mean really honest. Not the "I swear I only had one cookie" kind of honest, but the "Okay, I totally ate the whole box, and I regret nothing (or maybe everything)" kind of honest.

Once your ego learns that you're in charge – that you can see through its little tricks and make decisions based on what's truly best – it starts to relax. It’s like a pet that finally understands you’re the one holding the leash (and the treats!). When your ego accepts that you're the one in control, it stops pushing you to hide in its shadow. Instead, it lets you step into the light, confident in who you are and the choices you make.

Remember, this isn't about getting rid of your ego entirely (we all need a little self-confidence!). It's about teaching it to be a helpful teammate, not a bossy tyrant. So, next time you feel that little voice trying to steer you wrong, just give it a gentle nudge and remind it who's truly in charge. You've got this!💪