Swirls of narcissism wash over us, through us and around our planet. Like unpredictable weather; they sweep us in funnel clouds of fury, pound over us like waves crash us on rock and sand, suck us in and up to the heights where we’re soaring, then out to an endless sea. We thrill to a…
Author: Melody Goddard
Narcissism for Dummies (and for the rest of us who don’t know what narcissism is)
A lot of people are talking about narcissism these days. But what are they talking about? What is narcissism, really? What does it mean? Narcissism in lay psychology terms is a way of thinking, relating, and being in the world that is trapped in selfishness, self-centeredness, and self-absorption. It is a form of arrested development. …
A Pre-EasterQuick Test for Narcissism
Being the self-conscious people that we are, some of us may wonder if we have the characteristics of narcissism. Here’s a simple test: Do you ever wonder if you are narcissistic? Circle one: a.) Never. b.) Seldom. c.) Occasionally. d.) Often. e.) Always. If you answer A or E, you…
Humility
It is a strange September. I was slated to be in China on a long anticipated diplomatic tour as part of a handpicked family mental health delegation. The terrorist attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Centers grounded all plans, including our flight to Shanghai. Instead of being wined and dined in grand style, my…
Our Own Little Kingdoms
This was written several years ago when the kids were young and we only had one dog. I brought it out after a long week-end away in the desert for sun therapy. . . another package-deal. 45th floor. Penthouse suite with a 180 degree view. Champagne taste on a burrito budget. I wonder. Do we…
Profile of the Narcissistic Christian Leader
“Never give the role of archbishop to someone who aspires to be archbishop.” — advice of a 16th century church leader upon his succession Client Case Files: The Preacher Pastor Pete is in an existential crisis. He’s 47 years old. His kids need to be put through college. His elders are at each other over…
Prague and Prejudice
When did we create a Christianity that promotes the proud & successful and excludes the disenfranchised & the weak? I was sitting, recently, at a charity dinner, conversing with our table, filled with delightful Christian friends. They were talking about people they admired in the Christian community. All of the people mentioned were successful business…
Pictures of Ourselves
A few years ago, our family went to a John Singer exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum. An entire room is dedicated to pictures of one family, the Werthsheimers, a wealthy Jewish family who lived around the turn of the 19th century. Society commentators of the time chided the family for being presumptuous,, taking on…
Am I A Narcissist?
When you wake up in the morning, what are your first thoughts? Do they revolve around you? When you enter a room, are you concerned with the impression you’re making, whether you’ll be accepted, or what people are thinking of you? When you’re out in public with your children, are you constantly wondering how their…