Self Empowerment: Vanity or Healthy

By Cecilia Sarnowski '22

October 2019

When does self love become narcissism?

Self empowerment by definition of Oxford Dictionary is, “regard for one's own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).” The last part of the definition clearly states that it is not a narcissistic trait, rather an admirable quality. Now, the definition of vanity by the Oxford dictionary is, “excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.”

After having stated the definitions of the two words in question, I will provide information to answer the questions in the introduction of this article.

Self Empowerment is something that can be as easy as thinking well of yourself and living a healthy lifestyle or something that could involve attending a strike that involves a cause you support. Depending on who you are or what you believe your version of self love can and will vary. For example, not too many weeks ago we had a few motivational speakers come to our school. I noticed that two of the four speakers motivated others, or tried to, by pointing out their goals. If what they had appealed to you, thoughts of how you could become like them may have crossed your mind. If you are not motivated in that way, you may find that practicing your natural rights will make you feel empowered. For example, speaking out against prejudice or racist occurrences is practicing your freedom of speech. Making a change, even small, may have a positive effect on your self esteem.

Vanity is thought of as a sense of narcissism. However, it is simply putting yourself above others. By simply thinking or verbalizing that you are more important than others is vain. Simple things such as cutting in the lunch line or claiming that a certain spot in class is yours, displays vain traits. By cutting in line a person is sending the message that he/she doesn’t respect another person’s patience or integrity. Claiming that a spot in class is yours says, “I do not care that you were here first, this is mine.” That message displays a feeling of entitlement. When a person acts entitled no one will want to be around them. The reason for not wanting to be around this person is people do not want to be treated as less than another person.

In conclusion, the line between vanity and self love is, when someone begins putting others down just so that they feel better about who they are. If you are treating others well in addition to treating yourself well, you are displaying an admirable trait called self love. As mentioned in an earlier paragraph there are many forms of self empowerment; affirmations, positive thinking/speaking, and visualization in the form of a vision board. Even if you are not a confident person you should practice some of these methods of self empowerment. In doing this, you'll find that you will not only be lifting yourself up, but you will begin to lift others up with you.