The Ego Mirror

There is a fictitious story about a rebel rising in Latin America that eventually overthrows the dictatorship government. The leader of the rebel movement enters the former dictator’s office, capturing him to take to his execution. While leaving the office, the former captive leader looks at the rebel pointing to the mirror on the wall and says, “this mirror has magical powers for a dictator. It will let you know who is planning to kill you by showing their face as your glance in front of the mirror. Once you see that face, you must have them murdered as the mirror is never wrong. I saw your face three days ago.” Off goes the former dictator to his death, leaving the new leader to become obsessed with the mirror.  

Over the next few months, images of his friends appear in the mirror, which caused the new leader to have them killed. Slowly his inner circle became smaller. The people who once supported him began to doubt his qualifications. Before too long, the new leader becomes ousted by another group of rebels. While leaving his office, he glances one last time in the mirror, noticing only his face, and self-image. 

Did the mirror stopped working, or did the mirror mislead him? The reality of the story was the mirror held no extraordinary power, other than to remind the leader that his ego would be more destructive than any uprising. That only his ego would destroy all his hard work, and all his efforts to help others. Being self-absorbed was the biggest traitor in his ranks —ego was the most significant threat he will ever face. After having some success, the ego is the most dangerous assassin. Many believe that unless they were involved, achievement would never happen. After a little progress, people who refuse to use the Ego Mirror no longer care about winning; they only care about winning their way. When “the way” becomes more important than winning, the next ruler will be at the doorstep.  

We all have the Ego Mirror in our homes—it comes with any house or apartment. We need to use it every day, especially after something good has occurred in our life. We must remind ourselves when brushing our teeth, shaving or putting on makeup that our biggest challenge daily is to contain and manage our ego. Keep your ego away from making decisions, apart from interactions with others, away from hearing, and away from talking. Most of all, keep your ego away from the past success of yesterday. It does not matter today!

 Please forward and share this email with your friends and family.