From an old piece of paper I found that, for the life of me, I cannot remember where or when I originally got it. So many of these items ring especially true these days.
How to be miserable –
Think about yourself.
Talk about yourself.
Use “I” as often as possible.
Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others.
Listen greedily to what people say about you.
Expect to be appreciated.
Be suspicious.
Be jealous and envious.
Be sensitive to slights.
Never forgive a criticism.
Trust nobody but yourself.
Insist on consideration and respect.
Demand agreement with your own views on everything.
Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them.
Never forget a service you have rendered.
Shirk your duties if you can.
Do as little as possible for others.
Seeing ourselves as the center of the universe leads to misery. We weren’t made to be the focus of our own attention. According to Isaiah 57:15-21, we were made to give our hearts to “the High and Lofty One”, who lives with those who have a contrite and humble spirit. He brings comfort and peace to those who sense their need of him.
Lord, help us to turn our thoughts away from ourselves and focus our attention on You, the only source of true and lasting peace. Self-centered brings misery, A proud ear brings much pain; But those with true humility A lasting peace will gain.