Some examples, as quoted from A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle:

“What the ego calls love is possessiveness and addictive clinging that can turn into hate in a second.”

“Anticipation about an upcoming event, which is the ego’s over-valuation of future, easily turns into its opposite – let down or disappointment – when the event is over or doesn’t fulfill the ego’s expectations.”

If, during the holidays or anytime at all, you experienced a love relationship that devolves into an ugly argument or feelings of resentment…or if you at any point feel let down as an anticipated event winds down…then you can be sure that you are in the grip of ego.

For every peak, the ego has a deeper valley. This roller-coaster ride is what most people consider normal. There is the thrill of the good times, followed by the hangover.

Look to the external for happiness rather than looking inward and you will always be let down. No lasting, true happiness can be found in anything external to you. To repeat yesterday’s lesson: “Inward is sanity. Insanity is outside you.” -A Course in Miracles

Do you know what it means to go within, to the source of love, freedom, and abundance? Do you know fully that you are already perfect and divine – that there is nothing in the external world of form that is needed to complete you? We continue tomorrow and each day after that.