April 16 marked the birth anniversary of one of our most beloved comedians, Charlie Chaplin, who starred in silent films from 1920 to 1950. His iconic mustache and hat, and his humor are his trademarks. He has thrilled millions with his performance and continues to do so. Can you imagine not watching at least a snippet of one of his movies if they’re airing on TV? His movies have universal appeal among young and old, alike.
In The Great Dictator, Chaplin refers to how we are connected as human beings. He refers to our rights on the planet and how greed makes us stray from our paths. He may have passed more than fifty years ago, but his insightful words and wisdom are immortal. Here’s one of his greatest compositions: his unique take on self love. 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 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”!
By the way, if you get a chance, do read Charlie Chaplin’s autobiography. It is fabulous.
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Did you smile today? ♥
6 comments
Wow.. this self love composition is so true. Nice post 👍 Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank Sachin! As a fan of Charlie Chaplin’s writing, I thought this was amazing!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Quirky Quotes to Make You Smile
In today’s times of competition and emotional turmoil self love matters the most and how you spurned this super positive post of being one with the self and nature, showing less scope for mental confrontation or otherwise, Vidya.
As I began to love myself I realised that Im just a puppet in His hands.
This is called KARMA……
Such Lovely thoughts. And that reminds me, I must pick up Chaplins writing and read it
Charlie Chaplin was very wise and dealt with many ups and downs and had his own weaknesses (loved young girls..like 15,16..Oona was 17 when they married but the6 stayed married). He came from such impoverished conditions with hardly any education but loved to read. He would read the dictionary and learn a new word every day! He actually started in films in 1913 and developed his tramp character by taking other actors’ outfits to make his costume. It’s a shame and a travesty how he was treated by the States when the Communist witch hunts started making him go into self exile until he came back for an honorary Oscar. He died in 1977 and then thieves took his body and held it for ransom! its disgusting but he may have been laughing at this last turn of events