You Can Be More Than the Center of Your Universe

Like Jim Carry in the movie – The Truman Show – Life has a funny way of making us feel like the main character in our own movie. We wake up each day, the world seemingly revolving around us, our thoughts and feelings taking center stage. The way the world works. The way our minds work. The way our ego works. It all supports this perspective that the universe revolves around me (you). At the same time, I’m 100% sure that by stepping out of the spotlight we can create a richer, more fulfilling life!

One of the most interesting things to consider is that just as I see the world through my own eyes and life. I see and feel everything with so much self-centered focus and intensity. Every person around me is living their own self-centered experience. Their feelings, fears, and concerns are (for them) just as intense and focused as mine are around my own life.

Today I was zipping through the streets of Madrid on a scooter. As I navigated the bustling city, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer number of people surrounding me. Tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of individuals, each with their complex self-centered thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Every time I pause and consider the billions of self-centered experiences that are all happening and crossing over all the time time – it just blows my mind. Every single person I passed is the star of their own show. They have their own struggles, joys, and dreams – just like me. Billions of unique life stories unfolding in the same time. Every life (story) as at it’s center the main character surrounded by concentric circles of family, friends, associates, and strangers playing a part in that person’s life movie… while also being the central figure of their own show. WOW!

The “Me” Paradigm

We all have this internal “center of the universe” feeling. For me, it’s a sensation in my chest when I close my eyes and center myself. It’s as if the entire cosmos revolves around this point. We experience life through our own senses, digest information through our own filters, and naturally view the world from our unique perspective.

This “me” paradigm isn’t inherently bad. It’s how we’re wired. We have our problems, our relationships, our work – all specifically related to us. Part of this is simple survival. We need to think about food, shelter, and safety. But those basic needs often expand into more/more/more consumerism and ownership of things, places, and even relationships. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of seeing others as merely supporting characters in our personal narrative. I mean… THEY ARE. They always will be. But they should be MUCH MORE!

A Paradigm Shift

But here’s where it gets interesting: what if we could flip the script? What if, instead of always being the main character, we actively chose to be an amazing supporting character in someone else’s story?

This shift in mindset – from self-centered to other-centered – might just be one of life’s most important lessons. It’s the transition from a “me-minded” existence to a life of genuine service and connection.

The Power of Supporting Roles

Think about your favorite movies or books. Often, it’s the supporting characters that add depth, provide crucial love, service and help to the hero, or offer comic relief that makes the story truly memorable. We can embody those qualities in real life:

• Be the friend who listens without judgment
• Offer a helping hand without expecting anything in return
• Celebrate others’ successes as enthusiastically as your own
• Provide comfort and support during tough times

By focusing on how we can uplift and enrich the lives of those around us, we enrich our own lives in the process. Don’t do it simply to make your own story better — and FOR SURE NOT for another impressive Instagram post. But our life story becomes massively more meaningful as we spend more and more time loving and supporting others than in the “ME” trap.

A Challenge for Growth

I challenge you (and myself) to approach each day with this question: “How can I be an incredible supporting character in someone’s life today?”

It doesn’t mean completely neglecting your own needs or goals. Instead, it’s about finding a balance – recognizing lasting happiness/joy/fulfillment expands while we actively seek ways to make others’ lives better.

This shift in perspective has the power to transform not just individual relationships, but entire communities. Imagine a world where we all strive to be the best-supporting characters we can be. The ripple effects would be truly extraordinary.

So, the next time you find yourself caught up in your own ‘ME MOMENT’ self-story, stop and look around. Remember that every person you encounter is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. Then ask yourself: “How can I play a positive role in their story today?”

You might just find that by being an amazing supporting character, you become the true hero of your own tale.