New Beginnings following a History of Narcissism
It’s funny if you think you can identifying narcistic behavior instantly! As for many people, I have failed at this more times than I would like to admit and when I think I have it down, another one sneaks up on me and POW, I’m the target again.
The good thing is that I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself and know what to do as soon as I identify the narcissist. “They” are everywhere. It can be a friend, neighbor, spouse, child, parent, clergy, boss, or co-worker. “They” can be a good Narcissist or an evil Narcissist. More common than not, signs of narcissism are not always obvious at first and may not be for a long time in a relationship. Sometimes you think it is too late; but it is never too late.
Being a nice guy doesn’t help either. If you have been a victim or target of a narcissist you are probably a compassionate, kind person, even a little defensive if you have been burnt. Read on!
Read my story here:
So how do we prevent this from happening to us over and over again? Let’s get into some basic history to help understand our predator(s). Narcissists or people with NPD (narcissistic personality disorder) and certain personality disorders are generally selfishness, lack empathy, have a grandiose behavior, a big ego, an inflated sense of self-importance and it may not always be blatantly obvious at first. With that in mind, let’s start at the beginning.
Once upon a time in Greek mythology there was a figure called Narcissus, the son of the river god. Narcissus was so impossibly handsome that he fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water. Although a magnificently beautiful figure, he was arrogant. The goddess Nemesis noticed this and lured him to the pool where he instantly fell in love with his own reflection. Even the lovely nymph Echo, could not manage to tempt him away from his self-absorption. While admiring himself, Narcissus, obsessed and distracted with his own appearance, fell into the water never to surface as himself again. He was transformed into the Narcissus flower, the daffodil, and reappeared on the side of the pool of water as this flower, to forever adorn nature. Poetic don’t you think?
This 16th century oil painting by Caravaggio is depicting Narcissus, the handsome youth of Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection.
Daffodil are exquisite, a delicate sign that spring has arrived, it symbolizes rebirth. They are associated with new beginnings and the coming of spring because it is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost. Their yellow hues are a long-awaited welcome to new life after the dead of winter. Like a holiday tradition, my husband and I walk along the Saco River and admire the daffodils growing on the hill side for what seems like miles every May. It is a ritual that is part of our wedding anniversary celebration and we take the same photos every year. Which I have included in this blog.
Like the narcissist, the daffodil can fool you with its beauty. In fact, did you know for some people they can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. They can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, brain and nerve disorders, lung collapse, and even death. All signs we feel being a target of the Narcissist don’t you think?
Give it some thought, is there a Narcissus or Daffodil in your life, figuratively or emotionally?
The Daffodil signifies friendship, a new beginning, eternal life filled with hope, inspiration, endless love, creativity and admiration.
The Daffodil Effect® is a registered trademark of Deb Landry and Bryson Taylor Inc.
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