Today I stumbled upon this poem written by Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin wrote this on his 70th birthday back on April 16, 1959. I am posting it because it says exactly what I need to say. The past 15 years have been my uphill journey of self-love, a roller coaster of sorts. Chaplin describes the process eloquently, making his journey feel like my own. Authenticity, respect, maturity, self-confidence, simplicity, self love, modesty, fulfillment, and wisdom of the heart are key attributes I share with Chaplin in his journey towards starting to love himself -- in a journey in this thing called life.
It was in quiet retreat that I began looking to find my voice. I needed ample space to withdraw in order to discover who I really am. Rediscovering the self can be a painful, lonely process. Trying on new ways of thinking and being required taking time out from all that's familiar and also required diligent, consistent effort to ensure what I'm trying on has a chance to stick. But with continued practice and regularity, I am amassing helpful self-love tools that have gotten me back playing in the game, feeling renewed, with greater stamina and optimism. Reentry into the world feels exhilarating; it's exciting tackling challenges when you're feeling grounded and so full of love. There's no more fear. Playing fearlessly definitely makes playing easier.
By no means do I feel that I have arrived at the end of this journey. Each day offers yet another challenge to try out what I'm learning -- to practice, to learn, and to grow. The greatest difference is that now I consciously make room to enjoy time out, especially with others, with no urge to compete, to criticize or to judge -- myself or anyone else.
Stepping into my authentic self is allowing me to truly begin appreciating uniqueness, to accept difference, and to embrace individuality -- my own and that of others. It has invited me to loosen up, to live and laugh more, to cry openly, to admit that I don't have answers, to listen with my whole heart, and to be unafraid to accept and love all parts of myself and all parts of others. All with lots of forgiveness!
"As I began to love myself” - A poem by Charlie Chaplin:
As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.
Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY“.
As I began to love myself, I understood how much it can offend somebody as I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me.
Today I call it “RESPECT“.
As I began to love myself, I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.
Today I call it “MATURITY“.
As I began to love myself, I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at the exactly right moment, so I could be calm.
Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE“.
As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm.
Today I call it “SIMPLICITY“.
As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything the drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism.
Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF“.
As I began to love myself, I quit trying to always be right, and ever since I was wrong less of the time.
Today I discovered that is “MODESTY“.
As I began to love myself, I refused to go on living in the past and worry about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where EVERYTHING is happening.
Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT“.
As I began to love myself, I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But As I connected it to myheart, my mind became a valuable ally.
Today I call this connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART“.
We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing new worlds are born.
Today I know THAT IS “LIFE“!
By loving yourself, you help others step bravely into living authentically -- into authenticity, into power, into greater Oneness and harmony, building a brighter tomorrow especially for our young men and women. Parents who learn to love themselves will naturally exude love and forgiveness, inspiring our children to do the same!
xo
With tons of Love Love Love . . .
From Jewels Heart
Proverbs 19:8
It was in quiet retreat that I began looking to find my voice. I needed ample space to withdraw in order to discover who I really am. Rediscovering the self can be a painful, lonely process. Trying on new ways of thinking and being required taking time out from all that's familiar and also required diligent, consistent effort to ensure what I'm trying on has a chance to stick. But with continued practice and regularity, I am amassing helpful self-love tools that have gotten me back playing in the game, feeling renewed, with greater stamina and optimism. Reentry into the world feels exhilarating; it's exciting tackling challenges when you're feeling grounded and so full of love. There's no more fear. Playing fearlessly definitely makes playing easier.
By no means do I feel that I have arrived at the end of this journey. Each day offers yet another challenge to try out what I'm learning -- to practice, to learn, and to grow. The greatest difference is that now I consciously make room to enjoy time out, especially with others, with no urge to compete, to criticize or to judge -- myself or anyone else.
Stepping into my authentic self is allowing me to truly begin appreciating uniqueness, to accept difference, and to embrace individuality -- my own and that of others. It has invited me to loosen up, to live and laugh more, to cry openly, to admit that I don't have answers, to listen with my whole heart, and to be unafraid to accept and love all parts of myself and all parts of others. All with lots of forgiveness!
"As I began to love myself” - A poem by Charlie Chaplin:
As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.
Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY“.
As I began to love myself, I understood how much it can offend somebody as I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me.
Today I call it “RESPECT“.
As I began to love myself, I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.
Today I call it “MATURITY“.
As I began to love myself, I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at the exactly right moment, so I could be calm.
Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE“.
As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm.
Today I call it “SIMPLICITY“.
As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything the drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism.
Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF“.
As I began to love myself, I quit trying to always be right, and ever since I was wrong less of the time.
Today I discovered that is “MODESTY“.
As I began to love myself, I refused to go on living in the past and worry about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where EVERYTHING is happening.
Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT“.
As I began to love myself, I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But As I connected it to myheart, my mind became a valuable ally.
Today I call this connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART“.
We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing new worlds are born.
Today I know THAT IS “LIFE“!
By loving yourself, you help others step bravely into living authentically -- into authenticity, into power, into greater Oneness and harmony, building a brighter tomorrow especially for our young men and women. Parents who learn to love themselves will naturally exude love and forgiveness, inspiring our children to do the same!
xo
With tons of Love Love Love . . .
From Jewels Heart
Proverbs 19:8