You have been there for me in moments when I needed someone. You smiled back at me as we passed by each other, making my day a little better. You knew just what to say when things weren’t quite going my way. You mean so much to me.

Stop.

Consider this: maybe I’m not trying to write one of those vague, ambiguous love articles. Did you, reader, assume for one second that this article might be about you? There’s a reason for that. There's a reason we think that when people are waving to us on the street in that awkward moment of confusion when their friend is behind you. There’s a reason we try to inject ourselves and say “well if I were you....”

The reason is the word ego.

We’ve all heard the word, understanding the term and concept behind it is something completely different. The word ego has a Latin origin, and in Latin literally means ‘I.’ Ego has no set definition but is loosely defined as “a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance.” The ego can be viewed as the core of personality, the thing that helps you distinguish yourself from all other existing objects. Being able to read, make art, create philosophy, and have an ego are all incredible human privileges. Those are some of the things that make us human, and, therefore, important (well to ourselves anyway).

Now this article will not be me saying that your ego is self-degrading, and you should unsubscribe to your inner ‘you.’ I believe it is important to follow your own reason for happiness and create your own personal cocktail of philosophy which applies to just you. But knowing the effect the ego has on us is still very important in everyday life and in striving for happiness.

The ego can be harmful in the sense that it is like a gateway drug. Believing that everything is applied to you and that all things that you hear deserve to go through your own personal filter are a precursor to narcissism. There is no doubt in my mind that you should view yourself as significant in this world, even if we are microscopic on the grand scale of the universe. The fact that you can interpret the words on the screen in front of you is no small feat. You have a right to recognize the importance of yourself, but do not think that you are more important than anyone else.

You do not matter more than the person next to you; there will always be someone smarter than you. Acknowledge that the things that make you unique are wonderful, embrace them. Acknowledge that the things that make others unique are also wonderful, embrace them as well. Do not seek outright individualism or wish to make yourself ‘better’ than others. Empathy is essential when reminding our egos that no, we are not the center of the universe.

You are but one strand in the cloth of humanity. Do not dismiss your importance; do not overvalue your importance. Every single thread should be celebrated as unique, and valued for contributing to the integrity of the cloth. Life and happiness are derived from balance. Seek your equilibrium.