What is Selfish?
Monday, November 14, 2011 at 03:29PM 
From childhood we are taught about this deluded concept of "selfishness". Mom says, "share - don't be selfish", or "think about others first, don't be selfish". Is that really what encompasses selfishness -simply putting yourself before others? At least, that's what I was taught in my house.
It has taken me 28 years to learn the real meaning of selfishness. To be selfish, I believe, is to impose your own beliefs and/or opinions onto another. To encourage someone else to do or act in a manner that you prefer, rather than their own. What selfishness is not, is putting yourself first. Doing what's best for you. Following your own dreams, even if they are misalighned with those of your friends and family. It's pure logic, really. If you neglect your own basic desires, wants, hopes, or dreams, how are you expected to be happy? To be content enough that you would still have the energy or desire to put others first? Sounds backwards to me.
The truth I believe in is so simple - if you really do what makes YOU happy, without considering what others will think or feel about it (because really, who cares other than them), you will be brimming with so much love and happiness that you won't be able to help but spread it onto others. You'll be so content with life itself that the compulsion to be kind to and help others will come naturally to you.
The misconception is that if you put yourself first, you will cease to help other people, when in fact, putting yourself first will literally enable you to help others better. Who better to help than someone who has acheived true happiness?
Do what makes you happy NOW, and you will be a better person, I promise. Now! Go! It can't wait a moment longer!
One Love & Music,
Reader Comments (1)
Hi Oriana! I agree with you 100%. It's true -when we're happy, we're so much more caring, sensitive to others' feelings, generous... and the list goes on and on. If we're at a happy/peaceful state, we tend to do things to encourage a similar state for others. I found your post to be a good read! Keep at it musically girl -you're doing great :)
Tina Hung
*your fellow Canadian singer-songwriter ;)