Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Feeling Separate from My Narcissism in the Midst of a Crisis

I could sense my narcissism very clearly recently. My parents had to help me make a $600 car payment. I felt like I was thriving on the attention and just letting them take care of me. As the problem was wrapping up, I sensed the temptation to just relax until the next crisis. I was asking myself how much of their good graces I had used, and when the next time would be that could effectively ask for something. I also felt a sense of pride for handling my relationship with them effectively. And more recently, I feeling guilt for thinking this way, and more motivation to get myself out of this situation so I wouldn't have to ask for help again.. Perhaps in a spiritual way, this whole ordeal was good for all of us. Perhaps it was inevitable in terms of spirituality - where people are in their relationship with the Lord, and how they are living according to the measure of their own faith. I'm learning based on my faith that it is so uncomfortable putting others out like that. I am more motivated to avoid my own temptations. I am also more confident that God has given me everything I need and will sustain me and my family. I see that when I'm not relying on Him, it's so much more uncomfortable.