Love and Self-Worth

Aristotle's life was a series of highs and lows, a rollercoaster of emotions that mirrored his fluctuating sense of self-worth. This is especially true during a person’s younger years when life experience is often in short supply. Not surprisingly, during his formative years, Aristotle grappled with loving himself, being indifferent, and sometimes not liking himself. Such rollercoaster emotions were often tied to his perceived successes and failures, which unfortunately fluctuated more than the weather from one day to the next!

As a young boy, Aristotle poured his heart and soul into mastering the sport of baseball. He would practice tirelessly for long hours, fueled by the dream of becoming a professional baseball player. But when his efforts fell short and the reality of the slim odds hit him, he couldn't help but feel inadequate. He measured his self-worth against his performance on the field, and his love for himself plunged when he didn't measure up and had to accept that his dreams were far more significant than his talents in this area.

Entering his teenage years, Aristotle faced another challenge – acne. The physical manifestation of imperfection gnawed at his confidence, making him question his value. He failed to see beyond his skin condition, unable to grasp that it was a common struggle for many adolescents. His lack of maturity closed his eyes to the reality that his appearance did not define his worth. He placed himself into a human-sized cocoon and avoided social interactions with others.

It wasn't until Aristotle discovered his passion for Economics at the age of fourteen that he began to find solace in something other than his fleeting successes. Delving into the subject's complexities, he found a sense of purpose and accomplishment that transcended external validation. With each new concept mastered, his self-love grew stronger, rooted in a deeper understanding of himself and his abilities.

But Aristotle's journey was not without its trials, especially concerning matters of the heart. He was entangled in a tumultuous relationship with a woman fifteen years his senior. She toyed with his emotions, lifting him one moment and casting him aside the next. Aristotle struggled to reconcile his feelings, torn between his affection for her and realizing she was out of his league.

Despite the heartache, Aristotle persevered and vowed to stay strong. He weathered the storm of their relationship, learning valuable lessons along the way. He eventually outgrew the toxicity of their relationship, finding solace in healthier relationships that nurtured his sense of self-worth.

Throughout his journey, Aristotle learned a valuable lesson – that self-love isn't contingent upon external validation or the absence of adversity. It's about embracing life's highs and lows and finding value in the journey. He realized that his successes or failures didn't define his worth. Instead, his self-worth was determined by a person’s ability to navigate the successes and failures one encounters with resilience and grace.

As he grew older and wiser, Aristotle understood that true self-love stemmed from within. It wasn't about having everything work out in his favor but appreciating the balance of the successes and failures that a person experiences throughout their life’s journey amidst the challenges. Aristotle learned to celebrate the moments of triumph, no matter how small, and to find gratitude in the simple joys of life.

Along the way, Aristotle's journey came full circle. He emerged more robust and resilient despite the challenging ups and downs that entered his life’s landscape, involving his triumphs and tribulations. He found inner peace, realizing self-love was not a destination but a lifelong journey he needed to accept and embrace regardless of what Mother Nature threw his way.