This is a topic that has always confused me. It was made all the worse for having gotten involved with someone in my teens that talked a lot about "ego" and it's place in a spiritual perspective. He turned out to be quite mentally ill in later years, but the damage to my mind was done. Anyway...
The basic sense I've always had is that ego = bad. The twisted distortion that grew out of that for me when I was younger, is that self-worth = ego = bad... all the same thing.
So how does one have self-worth for themselves, without being egotistical??? Is it just a question of balance? Self-worth = good, until it goes too far, maybe? I've always been confused on this point. My sister (who is quite religious) went on about ego to me after my nervous breakdown, and it had a HUUUUUUUGE negative effect on me. I want to avoid the topic all together because it's such a trigger/negative reminder for me, but I also want to grow and become healthier.
Any help in clarifying this issue is very much appreciated. Thanking you in advance,
Dave
The basic sense I've always had is that ego = bad. The twisted distortion that grew out of that for me when I was younger, is that self-worth = ego = bad... all the same thing.
So how does one have self-worth for themselves, without being egotistical??? Is it just a question of balance? Self-worth = good, until it goes too far, maybe? I've always been confused on this point. My sister (who is quite religious) went on about ego to me after my nervous breakdown, and it had a HUUUUUUUGE negative effect on me. I want to avoid the topic all together because it's such a trigger/negative reminder for me, but I also want to grow and become healthier.
Any help in clarifying this issue is very much appreciated. Thanking you in advance,
Dave