“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” Rita Mae Brown
Self-love is a journey of self-awareness and often it’s not until the end of life that we suddenly become aware of our unique gifts, beauty and infinite love. Why do we wait so long to know this? Why do we not give ourselves permission to love, to shine and be seen now?
A poem by Kim McMillen from the book. ‘When I loved myself enough.’
https://www.amazon.com.au/When-I-Loved-Myself-Enough/dp/0283073373
“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, 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”!”
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
What a valuable message! Now bringing that from the inside out 🙂 Simplicity! Thank you, Karen – can breathe deeply into these words.
I’m glad it resonated with you. Thank you Ka 💕🌈
Love this post, Karen, and after many, many years of hard work, am learning to love myself more each day. Blessings to you! xoxo
Loving ourselves is over a life time Lori! It’s a gift to give ourselves and others. Blessings to you too 🙏🏻🌈💚
Rita-Mae Brown is so right! This should be taught in grade school on up. 🙂
In agree Eliza. Learn it while they are young! 👍💕
Powerful and inspiring words Karen! Thank you for sharing this unexpected wisdom from Charlie Chaplin 💛🙏😎
Yes I thought the same! I had to check that it was him! Very wise words. 💚🌈💕
Reblogged this on Find Your Middle Ground and commented:
I love this wisdom from Charlie Chaplin on living from a place of love. For all those who are struggling with life and finding their way. know that self love is the most powerful step on the path. 💕
Beautifully said. Thank you Val 💚💕🌈
Yes, indeed, I am afraid that a lot of us have found self-love later in life. I wonder why that is? However, what I know is that to find it is better than not, and even though for the most part on most days I have it, sometimes I still can loose track of it! Thank you for your words, which inspire to help keep that spot of contentment.
I think we all lose track of it! Being grateful each day really helps. Thanks Heather 💕