Are you stuck on your own pedestal?

We all have a certain degree of “self-adornment” but the real question is – is our self-made pedestal beyond – humility, wisdom, compassion and the ability to step off this podium when essential or even needed to achieve success, happiness and inner peace?

During my world travels I have met hundreds of “ego maniacs” as well as thousands of real, compassionate and kindhearted people so – the question I would like to address in this article is simply – are you stuck or trapped by your self-aggrandizement and an unwillingness to step off your pedestal when appropriate, necessary or beneficial?

I guess the first question is - are you on a self-created pedestal?  And if you are, why did you put yourself there and how is life working for you as you look down on everyone else in your life? Or, are you on one that someone else put you on?

What exactly is a pedestal?  Here’s my definition as it relates to this article – A self-created position above or higher than others when it comes to integrity, humility, intelligence, compassion or understanding.  It is when you feel better than others in some way creating emotional distance and separation between you and those around you.

Why do people put themselves on a pedestal?  Is it the need for approval, acceptance or low self-esteem?  Is it arrogance, ego and the need for power fame and success?  Yes, and yes.

Yes, some of us might have more fame, power, money and stuff but in the end does any of this make us a better person?  I don’t think so.  As I said I have met thousands of people around the world and yes, many judge others by what they have or do but in the end I don’t believe any of this makes us better.

In the end – it’s all going away so the question remains – is how you are living today having a positive or negative impact on where or how you will spend eternity?

Yes, you might be able to take better vacations, have nicer homes and cars and have a lot of pleasure while here but let’s be clear – one day it will all be left behind.

I have met wonderful people who had little or nothing and spent the majority of their lives giving to others, supporting others emotionally and sharing themselves unselfishly.

What’s your story – focused on stuff, the short term of life, what you have or gain or want OR leaving behind a legacy of love, caring and support to those who cross your path?

If you are on a self-made pedestal – I will guarantee you that sooner or later it will come crashing down.  If you are on a pedestal that someone else put you on I will guarantee that sooner or later they will wish they hadn’t.