Dear World, Don't confuse self-love with being a narcissist.
In a world full of hashtags and celebrity movements we tend to hold on to our voices second-guessing almost everything to avoid the ongoing labels. Ahhhh the world we live in automatically judging us and puts us in a box defined by a word housed with all it’s appropriations.
Well, Primas, I have news for you if you've ever been called narcissist or offended by what that word implies based on your self-love actions you’re not alone. Funny story for years I didn’t even quite know what the word meant, and one afternoon it was high tea time with Webster. I was not only literally laughing out loud but was astonished in disagreement. But then again according to Webster, I was already showing the primary sign of a narcissist; disagreement.
Grab that cafecito and let me start by saying self-love is the most unapologetic act of accepting oneself, putting yourself first and being proud, confident of the good, the bad and the ugly of your life's journey. This is a healthy.
So what happens when we speak our mantras into existence, and we share with the world our most vulnerable personal stories of self-motivation and daily self-love routines? While many cheer us on many imply the voice of narcissism. We hear that the more balance we have, the better we can understand our self on this road trip of self-growth. Narcissism involves arrogance, where self-esteem reflects humility. Fair enough right; so I am going to break it down on my top three comparisons we hear often.
Oh she’s an attention seeker
Self Love: People who have high self-esteem and practice self-love don’t need recognition or high fives every five minutes. They don’t need “likes” on social media to feel validated. They know the hard work they put in and are aware of their success, and that alone is enough. When people congratulate them, they are humbled and appreciative.
Narcissism: If an act of service was done in public and the paparazzi weren’t there it doesn’t matter. Did it really happen or I guess it wasn’t that amazing. A narcissist needs constant recognition and praise for everything thing and anything. They may have done nothing at all, but if people do not reach out and they don’t get the praise they need they will feel empty inside. Admiration of others is a priority and motivation to accomplish things.
I am happy being the “real” me.
Self Love: People who show that they are super comfortable in their skin. They appreciate what they have to offer even if it's not perfect. They are transparent in making changes in their life for themselves not critics. Happiness never lives in the hands of others in order for them to be happy.
Narcissism: Can you really make them happy? They are never happy with who they are and what they have. They want more and more and although it's okay to want more out of life narcissists are never satisfied of what they have even if they wanted it just five minutes ago.
The world as individuals
Self Love: People who show an immense appreciation of others. They see others as individuals that are valuable and they celebrate their existence, they're a success and empathetic. Great friends show these attributes because they are incredibly supportive and understand that it takes all sorts of people to make a fully functioning world. #nomanisanisland
Narcissism: They are the world point blank period. They value others only if they sniff an opportunity to use them for their own benefit. Narcissists tend to surround themselves with other narcissists. #youcantsitwithus type of peeps. Other than that take a ticket because no one else is worthy of their time.
So primas there you have it there is a big difference but listen up if you're a slight narcissist don’t let these definitions control you. Everyone brings something unique, important and of value to this universe regardless of every label we’ve ever been given.
Author Bio: Alicia Sanchez is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and published writer. She has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show, Black Shopping Channel, endless publications and various fashion weeks with her fashion brand before she began writing. Dear God Are We There Yet? is a movement to spark conversation about topics in our lives that may make our voice shake or make our souls smile. Let’s talk like it’s 1995; real and in living color