EGO--FRIEND OR FOE?

"I'll tell you what shames me
The Fall from my overblown ego
After I realize
That I've huffed and puffed it up"

Joyce


I have had people tell me, after reading my book, that I am awfully hard on myself. And I'll think about that with some seriousness. I don't know if I'm hard on myself or simply capable or an accurate assessment that I don't mind sharing or have an odd standard.

I know that most the people who say that I'm hard on me are under the age of 40--the demogragh that doesn't brook dents in their self-esteem and believes us all to be capable of anything. Wow, maybe I'm a curmudgeon.

I think I know when my ego is over engaged, maybe not in the moment, but after the moment. I love my accomplishments. I think I am a good leader, an interesting person, a generous person, a smart person, a funny person, etc.
That's a healthy ego speaking. It's the inflated ego that is ridiculous, that lies just a little to look better, that gets self important all of a sudden, that loves to be proven right, that grandstands the conversation. That's the ego I'm talking about defeating. 

How I know the difference from the healthy ego and the inflated ego?
--The cringe factor is large upon reflection when the inflated ego is at play
--You are  happy and satisfied but no one else seems to be
--There is a sense of let down after the inflation moment
--There is usually a specific moment of hightened self congratulation rather than a solid steady ground of self-worth
--You say and do things that are embarrassing to the point of being ashamed

Anyway, my argument is with my inflated ego that thinks it's the only one!!!