The ego is the self. It is you. You cannot run from it nor sublimate it so that it will disappear. Always, it will surface, again and again.
It is the sum of what you bring with you to this life, the longing, the loving, the wailing, the fear, the loneliness, the joy. You must learn to deal with it when it arises… use it as you feel appropriate.
If you rail against the self for lacking the career you crave, or the partner you desire, or the wealth you pine after, recognize, again, that you… wrote… this… drama.
Next time, you’ll be a better writer of your life’s script. Fewer… dull patches. More adventure. Some excitement and style. Laugh at this overly serious chapter. And realize you may turn the page at any moment. Make a concerted effort. Strike a new direction.
Ego is consumed with desire. Longing. We cannot escape from it in this human form. But desire is not all bad. We must see it for what it is, a motivator, and we must play the game of life, fully cognizant that somewhere in our deepest insides resides the *core* of the desire, the desire to return to union with that which is unimaginably grand, beyond all comprehension.
These smaller desires along the way toward union are merely aids to our unfoldment. Do not denigrate them. But become acutely aware of them; greet them, love them. They are the signposts on your path. They have directed you here to your current frustrations and unease, that your unfoldment may progress exactly as you have written.
If your wants and aims have so far failed to materialize for you, rail against them, if you must, that is certainly okay. There is nothing "wrong" in your emotions. But forgive yourself, as well, for "forgetting" that they are not your ultimate task.
No cosmic error is ever made; the universe never trips on its own rug. Rest assured, you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Just live life. Each day. Live with joy… as much as you can. And, cry into the pillow, also, if need be. Let the envy erupt, rear her head, and thrash about… while you remain fixed in your clarity and purpose. She cannot harm you if you are aware of her existence. Send her off into the ether waves, and let your watchers and helpers aid in her leaving. Be joyful in her departure and in your days.
There are many paths to union; there are many people along each way; embrace each road that opens.