khnnnyn

[khnnnyn]

Casual-style group debate in everyday among a group of lifelong friends, centered around the idea of not confusing "self-care" with "self-love."

🎀 Characters:

Elena: Wise, caring, speaks with clarity and heart.

Josh: Playful, skeptical, often plays devil's advocate.

Maya: Emotionally intelligent, seeks balance.

Ty: Laid-back, says little but thoughtful when he speaks.

Setting:

A cozy Saturday afternoon. The four friends are sitting around the backyard firepit, sipping drinks, with music playing low in the background.

JOSH (grinning):

Alright, Elena, hit us with your latest "deep talk." I know it’s brewing. You always start thinking big when there's fire and snacks.

ELENA (laughs):

Okay, okay… but seriously.

I've been thinking—we're throwing around this phrase "self-love" like it’s a magic cure for everything. But... aren’t we confusing it with self-care? They’re not the same.

MAYA (curious):

What do you mean though? Aren’t they kinda the same? Loving yourself includes taking care of yourself, right?

ELENA (nods):

That’s what everyone says. But hear me out.

Self-care is doing what helps you grow—resting when needed, learning, exercising, making sure your life isn’t a mess.

But real self-care also means keeping yourself well enough so that you’re not a burden—and so you can actually be there for the people who count on you.

There’s a quiet duty in it.

TY (softly):

Mmm… I kinda see that.

So like, being healthy isn’t just about YOU.

It’s so your mom doesn’t worry herself sick. Or so you can help out at work without collapsing.

ELENA:

Exactly!

But “self-love”? These days, people twist it into…

"I do what feels good for ME. I cut off whoever I want. I owe nobody anything."

And we applaud that like it’s brave. But is it?

JOSH (half-joking):

Whoa there, professor. What if someone needs to cut off toxic folks? What if their peace really does come first?

ELENA:

Of course.

Boundaries matter. Protecting your peace matters.

But when everything becomes about “my space,” “my time,” “my healing,”—

and you stop caring whether your actions HURT someone else—

that’s not healing anymore. That’s just avoidance dressed up pretty.

MAYA (thoughtful):

So… you’re saying self-love without accountability becomes selfishness?

ELENA:

Bingo.

And when people start romanticizing that selfishness, it makes us forget we actually need each other.

We weren't built to live like islands. We thrive when we support each other.

That’s what keeps relationships alive.

TY (quietly):

Y’all ever feel like the more people focus on “me-time,” the lonelier the world’s gotten?

JOSH:

Okay, okay… fair point. But sometimes people NEED to focus on themselves.

What if someone’s burned out? Don’t they deserve to just... put themselves first?

ELENA (gentle):

Sure. Take the break. Heal.

But don’t stay in that bubble forever.

Because one day, you’re gonna need someone too.

And if you’ve spent your life just “loving yourself” and ignoring others…

don’t be surprised if no one shows up.

MAYA (quietly):

Damn. That hits.

TY:

It’s like… if you want people to care about you, you gotta be someone worth caring about.

Not in a transactional way. Just… in a human way.

JOSH (exhales):

Okay, so what you’re saying is—

real self-care includes others.

Like, being strong so you can support, not just sit alone eating sushi with face masks?

ELENA (laughs):

Exactly.

If your “self-love” ends with you—it's incomplete.

Care for yourself so you can carry someone when they can’t walk alone.

THAT’s love.

MAYA:

You know what’s sad?

Some people think being strong means not needing anyone.

But the strongest people I know… are the ones everyone feels safe turning to.

TY:

'Cause they’re steady.

Like a lighthouse.

JOSH (grinning):

Damn, alright. You got me.

No more “me first, always” slogans.

I’ll start asking how you all are doing for a change.

ELENA (smiles):

That’s all I’m saying.

Love yourself—but don’t stop there.

Be someone your people can count on.

MAYA (playfully):

So what’s step one, guru?

ELENA (mock serious):

Drink your water. Call your mom. Help your friend move next weekend.

TY (smiling):

Even when it’s hot as hell out?

ELENA (grinning):

Especially then. That’s when it matters.

[They all laugh. The fire crackles. The air feels warmer—not just from the heat, but from the understanding between them.]

[khnnnyn]

The more you give, the more valuable you become - not just to others, but to yourself. When you make someone 's life better, when you bring kindness, wisdom, or strength to the world, you don't have to ask for love and respect. They come to you naturally.

JN

[khnnnyn]

Myanmar, where horrific earthquakes have just occurred, fills our hearts with sorrow. In the blink of an eye, the ground shook, houses collapsed, and countless lives were buried. No one could have foreseen the moment when the earth and sky raged, and no one is strong enough to resist the power of nature.

Amidst the desolate ruins, only heart-wrenching cries remain, and bewildered eyes stare blankly, having lost loved ones, having lost everything. Natural disasters arrive without warning and spare no one.

In the midst of such danger, only BLESSINGS can protect and guide us through, for no one can save us from the unpredictable forces of nature.

"May all sentient beings deeply believe and understand the Law of Cause and Effect, and practice diligently towards Selflessness, liberation, and enlightenment."

[khnnnyn]

No living being can survive in isolation. In this vast universe, we all depend on interaction and mutual support to thrive and survive.

Connections between beings take many forms, shaped by their wisdom and moral character. Some relationships are built on materialistic pursuits, self-interest, exploitation, or superficial matters. However, those guided by wisdom and moral principles can forge deeper, more meaningful bonds based on compassion, righteousness, and spiritual growth.

The nature of our connections reveals our place in the universal order. We must therefore cultivate noble relationships in this life – ones founded on loving-kindness and mutual support along the path of spiritual cultivation, for these represent the most sacred bonds of all.

(Collected)