Mental Health
Do you take care of yourself or do you just give everything you’ve got to everyone else?
TWLOHA Mental Health Toolkit
https://seekingserenityandharmony.com/crucial-self-care-basics/
I went down the Main Character Energy rabbit hole.I guess I hadn't had enough coffee yet today. I saw this term and thought 'what is that?' It is a term used to describe a characteristic of high self-confidence (etc).
Dictionary.com says “Main character energy is almost always a positive term when a person uses it to describe themselves or a person they admire. Sometimes, main
character energy is used jokingly or critically to describe someone as being vain, self-centered, and selfish.”
Apparently “MCE” has been popular on social media. (I hadn’t noticed, maybe I’m not as addicted to social media as I think? LOL)
“Is it a new trend? A social media challenge?” ~WikiHow tells you more about what it is and how to cultivate it in your life.
Though I have a minor in psychology and years of continued education credits in the topic, I don’t recall hearing this term until today. Apparently, it has been around awhile. I guess thinking of yourself as a main character in a book or movie isn’t far off base. I mean we are all the main character in our life’s story. Personally, it’s hard for me to think of myself as a ‘star’ or ‘hero’ of my own story.
But as someone who has come through a lot of things and survived and overcome being a ‘victim’, I guess that does make me a hero. I see others out there telling their stories and sharing their light to help others. I want to do that too. I have things to share, I just have to empty my pockets of the guilt, shame and imposter syndrome that I carry.
So, what is it really?
What is the attitude of Main Character Energy? “It refers to an attitude toward life in which you invest in yourself and put yourself first. That can be a good thing if it’s used in a way that prioritizes self-care, and many people mean it this way, but it can be a bad thing if taken too far.” ~Very Well Mind
“"Main character energy" is not a specific psychological phenomenon, and should not be confused with narcissistic personality disorder, which affects about 1% of the population.” ~ USA Today
“The world is big. Zoom farther out, and the universe is even more expansive. Contemplating your place as one of 8 billion people on a relatively small planet can be scary.”~ Mental Floss article Is Maine Character Energy a Real Thing? Here’s What it is and How to Tell if You Have it. The article shows how instead of looking at it as a negative thing, think of it in terms of self care. It goes on to tell how we can co exist with others who are also having their own MCE moments without dimming anyone’s light. The author points out that we should be rooting for ourselves.
What is needed to have Main Character Energy?
- Living life with intention,
- Self-confidence
- Having a purpose.
- Ability to embodying your uniqueness
- Willingness to take charge of your narrative
- View challenges as character development moments rather than roadblocks
Cultivating Main Character Energy is about embracing your power, prioritizing your needs, and creating a life you love.
How to grow Main Character Energy?
- Romanticize Your Life, Be Present: Immerse yourself in experiences, like feeling the sun on your skin or the sound of rain.
- Do What Lights You Up: Make time for things you love, whether it’s dancing, painting, or just laughing with friends.
- Create Your Vibe: Curate playlists, outfits, or spaces that make you feel powerful.
- Romanticize the little things, Focus on self-care rituals putting yourself as the main character.
- Make Self-Care as a Ritual: Make time for what nourishes you—journaling in a cozy corner, walking through a park with your favorite playlist, a special skincare routine, or walks in nature. One of My calm zen moment is pretending I’m lying in a lavender field on a sunny day.
- Try dressing in a way that makes you feel empowered, Dress for the Role: Wear what makes you feel confident and strong, even on challenging days.
- Celebrate your victories. Celebrate Yourself: Acknowledge your wins, big or small. Post about them, journal them, or share them with loved ones.
- Share Your Journey it will Empower Others:
- Celebrate Small Moments: Treat everyday tasks as special, like making tea in your favorite mug or lighting a candle during a cozy evening.
- View Setbacks as Growth Opportunities: They’re part of your “character arc.”
- Allow yourself to take up space unapologetically.
- Affirm Yourself: Use affirmations like, "I am worthy of my dreams," or "I am the author of my own story."
- Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no to things that drain you.
- Build Connections: Lean on your community and celebrate their “main character energy” too.
- Learn and Expand: Try new hobbies, read books, or take on challenges that excite you
Main Character Energy & Serenity and Harmony
For myself, embracing Main Character Energy means fully owning my role as a mental health advocate and creative entrepreneur. It would be looking at my challenges as powerful chapters of resilience and growth.
Memo to self “I’m already inspiring others with Seeking Serenity and Harmony. At least I hope I am. I need to remember it is okay to share my authentic struggles and triumphs.”
So I am asking my audience DO YOU see yourself as the main character?
Do you need help learning how to do that?
Would you like to learn how you can have more serenity and harmony in your life?
Drop me a reply and let me know.
