I ran across the poem, As I Began To Love Myself when I was preparing for a workshop. It came from this inspiring and gorgeous video. In the credits, it said the text was credited to Charlie Chaplin. All I know about Charlie Chaplin was that he was a famous silent movie star. I wasn’t aware of all of his writing. But when I went to his website, the poem wasn’t there. I did a little further research and discovered that he actually did not write it, and the words may be attributed to a book written by Kim and Allison McMillan.
(You can read more about that in this article. Did Charlie Chaplin Write the Poem, ‘As I Began to Love Myself?)
Whoever wrote this poem, I thank you. It is a beautiful message of self-love. All of the things I want to share with others rolled up into one amazing collection of words. Enjoy!
As I Began To Love Myself
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 could 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, even though this person was me. Today I call it RESPECT.
As I began to love myself, I stopped craving a different life, and I could see that everything surrounding 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 that 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 it 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 could disturb me and it can make me sick. But As I connected it to my heart, 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!
You can find this PDF in the Marvelous Resource Library!
A Beautiful Message
Which of the above stanzas stood out the most to you?
The first line hooked me. When you are living in anguish, it’s a sign that you are not living your truth. Once you know that, you can find a new perspective on your feelings. You don’t have to live with anguish or sadness, or frustration. You can choose differently. If what you are doing with your life or what you are trying to achieve is causing you these low vibration feelings, it’s Ok to change course. Authenticity means being and doing the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
How do you do that? Look for simplicity. In the 5th stanza, the poem says, “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.” The things that make you authentic will be easy.
But, as the last stanza says, you no longer need to fear problems. Just let them flow in and out of your life. Take notice and decide what this might be teaching you. How have you changed, and how can you use this new knowledge or predicament to uplevel your life?
Self Love is Vital
One of my favorite things to talk about and share with others is the mindset. And in the 9th stanza, it describes mindset as a valuable ally. When you connect your mind to your heart and feel love, safety, and peace, that brings wisdom. Don’t let your mind float around on its own, trying to tell you that you are not good enough, or you need to worry about something, or life is hard. Always remember the truth of who you are, a spiritual being having a human experience. You are exactly where you are meant to be right now. Feel the love in your heart and embrace your intuition and the wisdom of your higher spirit.
Experience life moment by moment and treat yourself with love and respect. Only when we love ourselves can we radiate that energy to others and create a loving world.
I want to add the video of As I Began to Love Myself on my morning routine list. What a beautiful and powerful message to remind yourself every day.
Sign up for the Marvelous Resource Library for a PDF of the above poem! You will find it under Self Care.
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Loved the poem As I began to Love Myself I actually did read the whole thing which in itself is a accomplishment because I’m not a great poem reader … but really enjoyed the message ! It hit very close to what I do and think … Thanks ! ?
Thanks for sharing Joy! This poem hit home for me too.