A sense of healthy self entitlement develops early in childhood. It begins with satisfying the child's needs to be understood, appreciated for who he or she is as a separate unique person and the positive responses of those close to him that he is an individual who is cherished and accepted as genuine. Many of us don't receive this level of understanding or acceptance. Some are on the receiving end of abuse, neglect, deprivation and abandonment. Despite all of the psychological deficits and the pain that an individual has suffered, it is possible to begin to practice healthy self entitlement. This takes discipline and commitment but the rewards are great.  

You can begin by developing a list of  Specific Essentials---what you need to do each day to create an internal structure of peace and psychological safety within yourself. This is a time for introspection, quiet, solitude, imagination and creativity.

It begins with the organization of the day around these essentials. These essentials are unique to each person. Turn over in your mind what activities will increase your sense of self entitlement.

This includes the following and many ideas that originate with you: 
Meditation and/or prayer
Chanting which releases the constant demands of the restless mind
Mindful breathing
Exercise that appeals to you personally
Experiences with Nature in whatever form it takes 
Enter the realms of imagination with reading, spontaneous writing, listening to audio books, favorite music
Being with animals and interacting with them one on one
Create a quiet space inside to nourish your intuition

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh: "By being yourself, being in touch with the wonders of life, you become more peaceful...The best thing a tree can do is be a real tree. The best thing a human being can do is be a real human being and that is the basic condition of peace."  Visit my website:www.thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
email:lmlphd@gmail.com