jianantonic | Because I just need to be self-centered for a moment...

This is for me. A celebration of all things great about myself. A much needed ego trip after a day on the phone with deadbeats and grumps, and the other stresses of general existence. Sure, it's a public post, because I'm a great person and the world has a right to know that, but I'm not asking you to read it, mkay? So.

I struggle sometimes, but I'm way ahead for my age group. I'm 22. I've got a career I enjoy with great benefits, a stock portfolio, a great house with a great mortgage rate because of my great credit, a new car that was paid in full at the dealership, concert tickets to every show I want to see, and money to give to charity.

At 22, I have a college degree and the brains and the means to go as far as I want with my education, but I'm content at the moment where I am. I'm much more academic now that I'm not in school - I read books, write sermons (which I will share at the UU fellowship one day), and I'm politically involved and informed. I will do great things. I am doing great things.

I am getting better at living my beliefs. My consumption is much more conscientious these days, and my body is reaping the rewards. I've lost 14 pounds since Sept. 13, and I look great. I do yoga. I've always wanted to do yoga and eat hummus and wax philosophical with other intellectuals, but I never enjoyed actually doing that until now. I am becoming the person I've always wanted to be.

I play bridge confidently among the giants of the bridge world. I hold my own in this game of skill and intense analysis. I am respected in the community as a knowledgeable youngster. People pay me for this hobby.

My husband loves me and I love him. We have a home together, time together, and shared plans. We have enough money. Not as much as we want, but more than we need. I'm okay with having enough.

I found a spiritual and intellectual home in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. My brain, heart, and conscience are happy there.

My niece is wonderful. I love her more than I thought was possible. Everyone says she looks like me, and I think there is no bigger compliment.

I lost my grandparents when I was young, but I have more love and memories from them than most people get in a lifetime from their whole families. I'll never forget them and they are a constant positive influence in my life.

I get along with my in-laws. Actually, I love them a lot.

My parents, teachers, coaches, advisors, and other various elders have taught me well. I have planned and saved and know how to prepare for my future. I know that I will have a good future, and I will be able to continue to live life as I do now - I will never back down from my love of people, music, and the earth. I will live for these things for the rest of my life, and I will love my life because of them.

I live on a mountain. Next to a river. On a resort. I get things for free just because I work here.

I drive four miles a day.

My favorite place in the world belongs to me - my farm.

I was lucky to have a lot of things handed to me. But more than that, I was lucky to have parents that said "no," even though they had the money to say "yes." I learned how to provide for myself. I learned how to appreciate work. I learned how to restrain myself. I learned how to be an adult without relinquishing my childhood. I had help, but I got to where I am because of who I am and what I've done. I couldn't have any of this without others, but I also couldn't have any of it without me.

I needed that.
/narcissism.