Ego Aside

What does it look like to put your ego aside?

In a world consumed by status and capital, we cling to our ego like a security blanket. But really, it is the very thing that weighs us down. Ego stops us from attaining the things we actually want, it creates a false illusion of safety, a transparent veil of self-protection. 

Ironically, everything we want is on the other side of ego: joy, authentic connection, growth, true belonging, peace, alignment, and so much more. We can have it all. But to put ego aside is a truly humbling experience. And it starts with believing that what we want is entirely possible. It requires us to confront the parts of ourselves that get in our own way. It is much easier to blame other people or circumstances. Of course, there is no denying that these things do play a role. But ego removes the self from this equation entirely. Ego says: “it’s not me, it’s them” so we can ignore the role we play in our own suffering. 

Ultimately, we are the people in charge of our lives. There is so much within our control. And it is up to us to decide who and what aligns with our true self. This discernment is a tool that sharpens with practice. We are constantly changing, and so, we must constantly be honest with ourselves. We must look beyond our feelings, initial reactions, and triggers—these are low hanging fruit. We must decide what it is we want and pursue it fiercely, despite the fact that at times we will fall short. 

Once we start to construct the life we want, we will be tempted by old patterns. Ego will try to convince us that the setbacks along the way are embarrassing. Ego will try to convince us that it is safer to revert back to what is known, comfortable, and easy. Ego will try to convince us that our worst intrusive thought is the truth. 

Putting aside your ego in these moments takes great strength and courage. 

We don’t talk about how when we get exactly what we want it feels scary at first. We find ourselves living in a liminal space—somewhere between the past version of us that no longer fits and the life we are manifesting. The in-betweenness can be disorienting. It may feel like you are losing yourself when in fact you are actually moving closer towards alignment. But don’t let ego trick you in these moments. Ego will flaunt your achievements in the face of others to protect the self. As if putting others down will somehow make your accomplishments more real or protect you from loss. Sometimes the hardest part is accepting the abundance without waiting for the other shoe to drop. Remember, you are deserving. Also remember, your deservingness is completely independent of others. Comparison is the thief of joy. 

The more you practice putting ego aside, the more your life aligns. Your connections grow stronger, your self-trust deepens, your vulnerability and softness are free to exist. 

And one day, you realize you have become the version of yourself that your past self manifested.