E114: Could COVID-19 actually kill Narcissism?

As we all embrace and adjust to the ‘New Normal’, the impact on humankind is going to be instrumental. The biggest thing that we have just been reminded us to stop and be really present.  

I was reading a Facebook post and it just summed it up completely. This person talked about how much has changed in three (3) weeks for him. He mentions in this post that 3 weeks ago he was unhappy with his job, overwhelmed with work, wanted to lose weight, canceling on friends to just stay at home to relax, irritated with traffic, talked to his mom once a week, irritated with elevator wait times. His point was that 3 weeks ago, he took everything for granted. Today, he is grateful for his job and how busy it is, how he misses human interaction, he calls his mom every day, and now is afraid to take the elevator.

Isn’t this the truth? Three weeks ago all those things that we complained about are now the things that we are grateful for. We are all starting to really gain a different perspective and re-learning gratitude. Could COVID-19 actually kill Narcissism?

Narcissism has been growing more and more over the past few years.  The Wikipedia definition of Narcissism is “the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s idealized self-image and attributes. This includes self-flattery, perfectionism, and arrogance.” Have you ever fallen in love with a Narcissist? You lose yourself in order to feed their ego &  make them happy. 

Narcissism has been a social-cultural problem for many years and was growing exponentially, as many people post pictures of their amazing life of perfection to create the illusion of FOMO  (Fear of Missing Out).

The world has a common enemy, the COVID-19 virus. Not neighbors.  We all have a shared vision and mission to save lives. Simon Sinek’s book, ‘Start With Why’.has really opened up our eyes to the power of having a shared purpose.  Our worldwide shared purpose is ‘Stay at home and save lives’. We get to be heroes in our own stories. I know that I am so grateful for all the front line workers that are putting themselves at risk every day. This episode is dedicated to the health care workers, pharmacists, those in the food chain supply chain, waste removal services, and all the other front line workers.

The stories that I’m reading every day, shows how communities and nations are coming together to solve this epidemic crisis together.  There is no shortage of stories from inspirational to educational.  

• From neighbors singing for others' lives or recording a YouTube video.  One of my personal favorite YouTube videos is a family’s adaption of a Les Miserables song for Coronavirus.
• To teenagers & neighbors sewing masks for health care workers and other high-risk individuals.
• Adopt a lonely isolated grandparent 
• Toronto Distilleries are repurposing their operations to make hand sanitizers
• Free grocery deliveries for seniors through so many different groups and neighbors

The stories just keep continuing. Check out these 35 stories that Bored Panda released and Solidarity is spreading as the COVID-19 crisis continues

What perspective have I gained? For me personally, I’m more focused, more present and putting health first. I have newfound pride when I clean my house, daily. I am so grateful that there are groceries available, that I’m now spending more time on food prep and cooking more with purpose. I want to make sure that I stay healthy, so I am definitely eating cleaner.  It is something that I never had enough time to focus on. I’m less wasteful and only purchase what I’m going to use for that week. I also grocery shop for ten people every week and deliver it to their porches. It provides me with a sense of purpose and protects others. 

 

 As a society, we are going to be more:

1. Gaining perspective & resetting priorities – Being in the present
2. Grateful for the smallest and simplest pleasures
3. Strengthening relationships digitally
4. Created a stronger sense of community and neighbors, 
5. We are learning to listen with intent – deepening listening & understanding
6. Learning to be resourceful, not wasteful
7. Kindness & compassion is more there
8. Putting our health & well-being first, so that we always protect others

Do you know what the opposite of narcissism is – empathy, compassion for others, humble, modesty, treating others the way they want to be treated? There is no shortage of kindness out there. This is the time, where good will triumph over the bad. Where we all send prayers and love to people, strangers, acquaintances, and loved ones. So, yes. I do believe that COVID-19 will kill narcissism and reset society. 

The society transition has already begun. Have you noticed that as a society, we have all changed how we end a conversation – from ‘bye’ or ‘see you later’ to stay healthy & safe?

Sending you all lots of love and I really hope everyone stays indoors and safe! 

 

Best Always,
Sapna 

 

P.S.  

If you enjoyed this, then you may be interested in this episode about the Importance of Gratitude. This is when I learned what the true meaning of gratitude is, you may get a little emotional.

P.P.S.

Another little gift for you. I’ve created a FREE Gratitude Journal PDF for you to download along with this episode on our website.

Be grateful every day, as it really is a gift that will help us continue to evolve humans everywhere.