Midlife | Self-centeredness | Self-improvement

Judith Viorst wrote a book called “How Did I Get To Be 40 & Other Atrocities.” The book includes a poem describing the author ’s “Self-Improvement Program.” The

poem begins with a litany of many of the “self-improvement” activities Ms. Viorst has been involved in. The list includes Chinese cooking, needlepoint, guitar lessons, and six or seven other things — even primal-scream therapy. The poem ends pleadingly, in these words . . .
I’m working all day and I’m working all night to be good-looking, healthy and wise. And adored.
And contented.
And brave. And well-read.
And a marvelous hostess. And bilingual,
Athletic, Artistic . . .

Won’t somebody please stop me?