That’s What I Get

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Getting It

Narcissism is going around. It’s an over used label for sure. Not everyone is one, of course. But, there are a few out there. Enough to keep the buzz going. Like other labels, it lumps people together and makes assumptions. 

Narcissists get a lot of what they want. Mostly, I think, because they aren’t able to comprehend why other people should want or be entitled to what they want. They are simply more important. It’s kind of understandable that writing a blog about realizing my freedom and constantly going after what I want might seem a bit narcissistic. Even after all the talk about being kind and helping others. 

It’s strange, though. I don’t think of myself as important to anyone but me. Should I? I don’t think I need to.  I think this is the opposite of narcissism. No one else has to be involved. 

My life is extraordinary standing all by itself. Constantly wanting what society says I should or what others expect because they expect it takes away from the individual beauty of my life. I can opt in or out whenever I choose.

American society kinda likes narcissists. At the very least it seems to reward them instead of standing up to them. This is how I know that I’m living outside of that kind of wanting. I don’t want what you have. I don’t believe that I should and you shouldn’t. I’m a little self absorbed, though. I believe that my freedom is mine to claim. I believe that my health is mine to prioritize – both the physical and mental.

So, I’m good with being called self-centered. I’m good with a little self-absorption. Not having a little of each seems like a quick way to become unaware of the amazing life I get. It’s a quick trip to becoming ungrateful. A life of wanting to really live in experiences is what I get to do. Good and bad. Fun and ordinary. Exciting and repetitive. I get them all. I don’t see a life of have to. I see a life of getting to.

Here are some examples (yes, another weird list. I like bullet points 🙂):

I get to…

• Value my family
• Enjoy my friendships
• Engage in interesting conversation
• Care for my pets
• Help and hug my grandparents
• Appreciate the world I travel
• Work to be better at everything I’m passionate about
• Take care of my body
• Expand my mind
• Breathe
• Love
• Pay my gratefulness forward
• Be free

Is there a catch? Not really. I’m the only possible snag. After figuring out that the world isn’t here to make me miserable, I wasn’t miserable anymore. Is it all beautiful? Yes, actually, it is. Far from perfect, the world is interesting and mysterious. 

I’m the only part that can screw it up. By forgetting that I get to, I can easily go back to feeling like I have to. Even the things I “gotta” do can be so amazing. It’s my payment. And, since life is invaluable, it’s more than worth it.

Paying it backward and forward.