It's not about me.
Even when I believe it's about me, it's not.
As a teacher I can lost in the attention I get from students. But I only succeed if my students succeed. And focusing on my own needs while diverting my attention from theirs will fail them. Guaranteed.
I've seen how claims to expertise, status, and fame are fleeting. That's if you are fortunate enough to attract them at all. They can swell the head and inflate the ego. Momentarily, at least, you think you're the center of the universe.
I'm not arguing for complete selflessness here, however. I must take care of myself first if I can ever hope to serve others. If I'm not fit I cannot help anyone. But a focus on self-care differs greatly from self-aggrandizing behavior. I must remain keenly aware of the distinctions. I must work to root out the latter's excesses.
In other words, I recognize I'm just part of the broader tapestry of life. I live in a particular place, at a particular time, during a particular point in history. I can do only what I can do. My powers are limited. Just like everyone else.
It's not about me.
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