Read Time: 3 min
Recently, I read an amazing poem that was “allegedly” written by a 70-year-old Charlie Chaplin on his birthday. Yes, that dude. The one who starred in so many silent films between 1920 and 1950.
There is a theory floating around the Internet (and we know the Internet is the absolute truth, Lol).
The theory is that the poem was translated from the book, When I Loved Myself Enough, by Kim and Allison McMillen. I haven’t read that book, so I can’t confirm the connection.
Either way, I’m not concerned with who wrote it.
I think it’s brilliant and worth embracing, especially if you are a new entrepreneur or a dreamer. If having Mr. Chaplin’s name attributed to the poem, caused it to land in my social feed, then rock on. I’m cool with that. Thank you.
Check out this amazing self-love poem which may or may not have been written by the great 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 if 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 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 is “MODESTY.”
As I began to love myself,
I refused to go on living in the past and worrying 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 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.”
Boom! Dropping the knowledge Mr. Chaplin! High five to the spirit world! I am grateful to have read such powerful, yet simple words. Truth!
As new entrepreneurs and dreamers, there is great knowledge in our past, regardless of who wrote it. You have to walk your path. However, you can still look around and learn from others. In the end, your decision to love yourself is your choice. #Self-love
Does this poem resonate with you?
Your journey is your story. Your life experience is a direct result of the actions and outcomes that come from your thoughts and feelings. Each circumstance is an opportunity to express self-love as shared in this beautiful poem.
How do you express self-love?
High fives and knuckles,
Oh yes, this resonates in a big way, especially the words relating to “RESPECT” & “SIMPLICITY.”
And I agree — whether Mr. Chaplin was the author or not, the wisdom is insightful. If written by him, I suspect it also came hard-earned….
Thanks for sharing.
Wow!! Amazing poem! Thanks for sharing. I’ve never seen it before. The great dictator delivers huge truthbombs!
Self-love is an ongoing striving in a world were things are photoshopped, social mediazed and only the parts in the light are shared. Comparing ourselves to others can hurt our self-love practice.
Jace – I love this. What a great reminder to live authentically!
How do I express self love? I say no to things that do not serve me or my family and am getting ok with not always pleasing others. While at the same time take time to enjoy the daily journey we are on….who knows what it will look like in the end, but I know I will have fun along the way!
Thanks, Diane! It resonates with me for sure. Cheers
Thanks, Brad! It’s cool, yet weird to think it was written before I went to school and the concepts were available ages ago. Seems like this list should be mandatory in school yet I didn’t hear about till I was older. Wisdom for sure. Cheers
Love it! Thank you, Karrie! I love how you express. What a great response. Thank you. Cheers
Wow I absolutely love this poem, he is so in line with what we learn at ITN
Thanks, Andrea! Yes, it’s really aligned with what we have learned. Cheers
Love it Jace, what a beautiful poem!
Worth hanging on my fridge 🙂
How do I express self love? Lately, I have been practicing pausing during the day, specially when I move on to other tasks, and breathe deeply. It grounds me and reminds me that if I want to be inspired, energised and present to those around me, I have to make those qualities my priority.
WOW! Powerful indeed. Hit close to home for sure.
Awesome Catarina! I love the pause. Sometimes we just need a minute. Cheers
Thank you, Michele! I appreciate you reading it. Cheers
Amazing poem! The whole poem resonates with me especially ”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.” “LOVE OF ONESELF.” Thank you for sharing this Jace!
Thank you, Bernadine. I felt the same. I was grateful I found it and decided to share it in a post. Cheers