Summary

A motivational speaker, the Guy, experiences a breakdown on stage as he fails to practice what he preaches about self-love, serving others, and maintaining healthy routines, leading to a moment of truth where he confronts his hypocrisy and embraces vulnerability.

Abstract

The story revolves around the Guy, a charismatic yet troubled motivational speaker who finds himself unable to live up to his own advice during a public performance. As he delivers a speech about self-care and altruism, he is haunted by memories of his own self-criticism and neglect of others, causing him to question his lifestyle and the authenticity of his message. The audience initially reacts with confusion and anger when the Guy deviates from his script, but his raw honesty and willingness to accept his flaws ultimately resonate, albeit in a tumultuous manner. The narrative culminates with the Guy expressing gratitude despite being physically assaulted by the crowd's projectiles, finding strength in his newfound genuine connection with his audience.

Opinions

The Guy's internal struggle highlights the dangers of not following one's own advice, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal integrity.
The audience's transformation from admiration to hostility and back to a form of understanding reflects the complex dynamics between public figures and their followers.
The story suggests that true strength and happiness come from serving others and practicing gratitude, even in the face of adversity.
The Guy's journey from a polished speaker to a vulnerable individual stripping away pretense underscores the theme that authenticity is more valuable than public adoration.
The narrative criticizes the culture of self-obsession and the need for individuals to balance self-care with concern for the well-being of others.
The Guy's realization and public admission of his hypocrisy serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of living a life that contradicts one's expressed values.

Follow Your Own Advice, Don’t Get Bruised — a story

The guy says, Thank you.

Stage lamps flash on in a sudden blaze, bathing light on everything the audience can see. Footsteps KNOCK-KNOCK on the wooden stage as the Guy appears there sweating, soaking in the spotlight. He's a handsome guy. A hardened look tells us he's “been through some things,” poor fella. Despite his face, the words he speaks are charming and energetic.

Love is a condition you can only give others when you give it to yourself. It is nourishment for the soul to sprinkle yourself with a kind phrase, some self-admiration, a congratulations for achieving your goals. Take care of your body, take care of your mind. Be a lover of you!

The audience cheers, but right then something funny happens. When he says this, the Guy gets a memory. He was looking at himself in the mirror just before today’s appearance. He was staring at himself, ridiculing his big nose, cringing at his messy hair. The memory shows vividly how, just moments ago, he was mocking his own success. “You big phony,” he had said.

Though, not to worry. The Guy is at his stage, now, in the present. His next bit is about to begin.

At times, we as people get so caught up in our problems, but there is nothing more poisonous than focusing only on ourselves. You must love yourself and your achievements, but focus on serving others. Giving and caring for someone, something, anything other than ourselves is the medicine needed for a happy existence.

Suddenly the Guy is struck, no sooner than he spoke, with a vision from this morning. His chauffeur was going on about his daughter having high blood pressure, possibly diabetes ... or was it his mother? Whatever the case, the Guy’s first reaction was to explain how headaches were plaguing him since last month, how he had to deal with dreaded stress from his speeches.

Soon after, they stopped at a light where a woman was holding a baby. She carried a sign asking for some water or food. The Guy was so busy complaining that he missed the chance to give them anything.

The Guy pauses here in reflection and scratches his chin. Then he continues his talk.

And, uh, routines. Yes, of course. You need to set routines to make life manageable. Once you create good habits, all things will fall into —

The audience stirs. Why did he stop midsentence like that? The Guy has frozen again, though this time, his memory calls upon his habits over the past six months. He recalls waking up late, going to bed sometimes before sundown, other times right before sunrise. He remembers skipping workouts, impulsively eating fried foods, and watching lots of tv. What routine has he really been following?

He stands there for a while, quiet. The crowd doesn't know whether to laugh, be concerned, or get up and leave. His eyes wide and mouth ajar, the Guy watches as his following, his fans, stand up and walk out the auditorium, one by one. Some of them yell about a refund, others curse at him. One of them makes like she's going to throw a ball of paper to see if the Guy reacts. The Guy does nothing.

His next point was going to be gratitude, but he doesn't get to it. Instead, he ruminates on a single comment he'd made last night when he was stressing over today’s presentation. I hate this lifestyle. That was his mindset. Then he speaks out.

I … hate this lifestyle.

This catches the audience's attention. Those who left start to walk back in.

“I hate this lifestyle!” he yells, clearly at himself.

I forgot who I was. I hate this lifestyle, the way I live now. I forgot how to be good. I forgot how to be happy. I did not mean to lead you astray. I forgot how to follow my own advice!

The crowd doesn't really know how to take this change of heart. Eventually taking his words as negative attacks on them, they start balling up pamphlets and throwing them at the same speaker they’d come to see. The Guy simply responds, “Thank you.”

Soon they run out of paper pamphlets and start throwing water bottles. When those run out, they throw their hats, their snacks, then their phones, their purses, their jewelry, their shoes, their watches, their wallets. Some even throw the foldable chairs. Dang.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

His praise turns into a shamanic chant, causing all to love and hate him at the same time. The man is hit by so many objects that his skin starts to bruise. His head and knees start to bleed.

It hurts a little, but the man decides not to complain. Instead, he says only, “Thank you for my strength.” As the audience shouts, he assures them with, “I'm here for you. Please, how can I serve you?”

The crowd gets into such a frenzy that they maniacally tear at their clothes and throw them at the Guy, not having anything left to project. He is so bombarded with objects, so pleased and tired that he kneels over, nearly unconscious. As he settles on the wooden stage, he smells it. He smiles, happy that he could remember his own advice. He shuts his eyes.

The Guy says, “Thank you.”

Thanks for coming. Peace and love.