The Mad Minstrel

Looking back, I cannot say that love has changed much throughout the years. Certainly, the acceptance of open discussion has increased but the topics themselves remain the same. I’m sure that for many, who have not been paying attention to the world around them, the various ways of loving and living seem new and outrageous but honestly, I’m not convinced there’s anything new or unique to be had, save one.

Self-love.

No, no, you gutter-brain, I’m not talking about masturbation, though that’s certainly a topic we could discuss endlessly. No, I’m talking about the idea of loving one’s self. It’s something that has been whispered throughout the years but not something people felt free to explore, until recently.

When one is the master of themselves, they need not be the master of others.

In other words, if a person were to love themselves as another loved them, if they felt satisfaction when they thought about their looks, pride when they thought of their work, peace when they thought of their life, would they then seek to rule others? Wage war, conquer, rape, and pillage?

Now don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying that if everyone loved themselves life would be as wonderful as a basket full of puppies, but it certainly couldn’t be any worse, right?

Unfortunately, self-love is as difficult to master as inner peace, especially in the age of social media where people tie their self-worth and achievements to those recognized, liked, and shared by others.

I’d be lying if I said I were any different and I wish I had an all-encompassing “how-to” guide to teach you how to love yourself (again, not masturbation, I hope you don’t need a guide for that), but the most I can do is ask you to take a look around and consider your motivations.

Consider your day; would you be doing, whatever you plan on doing, if you were less concerned about what people thought and more focused on your own personal happiness?

This is usually when people say – What am I supposed to do? I have to work. 

Yes, you have to work. We’re all adults and we have responsibilities but work shouldn’t consume your whole day, every day, all week, every month, all damn year. We are supposed to work TO LIVE not live to work.

Think about next year, what are your plans? Do you really need to put in the overtime so you can afford that shiny new car? Sure, it’s a symbol of status and success, and it will undoubtedly make other’s jealous but… wouldn’t you rather save up some vacation time and go backpack around Chile, like you’ve always wanted?

Which will make you feel better about yourself?

Thirty years from now, which decision will you wish you had made?

On your deathbed, will you be one of those people who says they should have lived more or will you find contentment in yourself? Because, that’s what it comes down to, how happy you make make yourself… and maybe a little masturbation.