Charlie Chaplin: More Than a Comedian – A Source of Wisdom and Inspiration
During my high school and college years, amidst the pressures of academics and the challenges of growing up, one name stood out as a constant source of laughter and profound insight into life – Charlie Chaplin. Beyond the laughter, Chaplin possessed a deep insight into the human condition. His films often depicted the struggles of the working class, the hardships of life, and the pursuit of happiness. Through his art, he conveyed powerful messages about empathy, resilience, and the importance of finding joy in the little things.
Little did I know then that the man behind the iconic Tramp character was not just an actor but also a writer, filmmaker, and a brilliant mind. One particular creation of his, the poem “As I Began To Love Myself,” has left an indelible mark on my heart, providing me with invaluable wisdom on how to live a better life.
“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 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”.
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”!
Charlie Chaplin, the man who made us laugh and ponder life’s complexities, continues to inspire and guide us through his timeless wisdom. His poem, “As I Began To Love Myself,” encapsulates valuable life lessons about authenticity, respect, maturity, self-confidence, simplicity, love of oneself, modesty, fulfillment, and the wisdom of the heart. As we remember this iconic figure, let us carry his insights with us on our journey towards a better and more meaningful life, just as he did for me during my high school and college years. Charlie Chaplin wasn’t just an entertainer; he was a philosopher whose words and actions continue to resonate with us all.
Charlie Chaplin: More Than a Comedian – A Source of Wisdom and Inspiration
Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2023/09/07/as-i-began-to-love-myself/
#CharlieChaplin # Comedian #Wisdom #Inspiration #AsIbegantolovemyself
Peace LiLy 