This is a poem by Charlie Chaplin, written on his 70th birthday, on April 16, 1959. It is an utterly inspiring self-address that meant a great deal to me when I read it for the first time. It felt as if the great screen icon was communing with my spirit, understanding just what the journey of life is all about. I just had to share this touching and knowing poem with you, because I know it will ring true for many people like me who feel they have grown with age.
When I started loving myself
I understood that I’m always and at any given opportunity
In the right place at the right time.
And I understood that all that happens is right –
From then on I could be calm.
Today I know: It’s called TRUST.
When I started to love myself I understood
How much it can offend somebody
When I tried 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 know: It’s called LETTING GO
When I started loving myself
I could recognize that emotional pain and grief
Are just warnings for me to not live against my own truth.
Today I know: It’s called AUTHENTICALLY BEING.
When I started loving myself
I stopped longing for another life
And could see that everything around me was a request to grow.
Today I know: It’s called MATURITY.
When I started loving myself
I stopped depriving myself of my free time
And stopped sketching further magnificent projects for the future.
Today I only do what’s fun and joyful for me,
What I love and what makes my heart laugh,
In my own way and in my tempo.
Today I know: it’s called HONESTY.
When I started loving myself
I escaped from all that wasn’t healthy for me,
From dishes, people, things, situations
And from everything pulling me down and away from myself.
In the beginning I called it “healthy egoism”,
But today I know: it’s called SELF-LOVE.
When I started loving myself
I stopped wanting to be always right
Thus I’ve been less wrong.
Today I’ve recognized: it’s called HUMILITY.
When I started loving myself
I refused to live further in the past
And worry about my future.
Now I live only at this moment where EVERYTHING takes place,
Like this I live every day and I call it CONSCIOUSNESS.
When I started loving myself
I recognized, that my thinking
Can make me miserable and sick.
When I requested for my heart forces,
My mind got an important partner.
Today I call this connection HEART WISDOM.
We do not need to fear further discussions,
Conflicts and problems with ourselves and others
Since even stars sometimes bang on each other
And create new worlds.
Today I know: THIS IS LIFE!
This Sad and Beautiful Piece Just Made Me Cry
This touched my heart, and I wanted to share it with you.
The ABCs of Being a True Friend!
What make a truly good friend? The ABC of friendship of course!
Otter Moms May Be the Cutest in the Animal Kingdom!
They let pups sleep on their bellies, hold hands with them, and wrap their babies in seaweed blankies to keep them safe and warm...
These Touching Words Remind You that Things Do Get Better
No matter what life throws at you, know that you have it within you, to handle the situation with "endless, boundless grace".
I'll Never Forget This Poem About Love and Life
Whether you are 25 or 85, you are here on this planet to love.
The Wisdom Old Age Has Brought Me Is Vast and Deep
Wisdom like this, gained through many years and toil and effort, deserves to be shared with others.
Live Longer and Better With These Longevity Practices
These time-tested longevity secrets really do work!
I Hope This Message Turns Your Frown Upside Down
We sincerely hope that this message will make your day that little bit brighter.
These Quotes By George Orwell Will Make You Stop and Think
These quotes by George Orwell will make you stop and think.
12 Wise Quotes About World Peace
The world is in need of peace, and here's a touching way of spreading it. Here are 12 touching inspirational quotes by some of these unforgettable figures.
10 Lessons that Jean Vanier Wanted to Teach Us About Life
A guide to life by Canadian philosopher and philanthropist Jean Vanier
This Ex-Monk Has 9 Words of Advice to Quiet the Mind
Nine valuable tips to deal with persistent thoughts that interfere with a peaceful mind, spoken by an ex-monk.
A Beautiful Way to Relax is Listening to Allan Watts...
This great talk will give you some great food for thought, and explains why many people often feel stressed out.
You Can See Inside a Woman's Heart Through Her Tears
The touching words give true insight into the significance of a woman's tear. A man who loves a woman will be able to relate to these touching words too.
9 Hidden Signs You Might Be Holding a Grudge
How do you know if you're holding a subconscious grudge against someone? This article can help sort out your feelings.
Read These Quotes for a Bit of Inspiration!
Past hurts and old injustices have a way of keeping us stuck in our tracks. If this is something that you can relate to, may you find solace in these words.
There's No Greater Gift Than These 8 Treasured Offerings
These gifts are priceless and I want to share them with you.
I Want to Share This Old Man's Advice with You
This old man knew how to face up to life and be happy. Here's his story.
What a Beautiful Message This Father Relays to His Son
The life lesson that this father teaches his son is one that we can all learn from. So watch carefully!
This Story Teaches a Life Lesson We Always Seem to Forget
This couple learn a lesson we all seem to forget. Read through this inspiring short story.
These Japanese Philosophies are Super Interesting...
Here are some really cool Japanese concepts that can change the way you look at life.
The Four Agreements: The Book that Made Me Wiser
The teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements," explained.
When Things Go South, Remember These 20 Universal Truths
When things look bleak and hope feels like a distant memory, remember these 20 inspiring truths that all of humanity shares.
Here Is a Blessing From Me to You, My Friend
May these simple, yet sweet words put a smile on your face.
These Beautiful Quotes Came from Some Amazing Movies
Some of our favorite movies contain the most surprising pearls of wisdom we're ever likely to hear. Here are 16 of the most inspiring.
King Solomon's Ring - A Short Story with a Great Lesson
King Solomon decided to send his servant to find a magical ring. A story with an important message about happiness and coping.
The Most Remarkable Places of Worship on the Planet
Here you’ll find a great range of various places of worship from every corner of the planet, each magnificent and unique in its own right.
These Words Reminded Me That You Will Always Be With Me
This poem will give you reassurance knowing that in spite of a relative or lover passing away, they're still with you every step of the way.
This Girl Surprised All When She Was Asked About 7 Wonders
When a little girl is asked in her class about what she thinks the true 7 wonders of the world are, her answer surprises and inspires everyone...
Please Don't Forget These Important Reminders in Life...
We should always remember the most important things in life, and we should always share them with the ones we love.
A Zen Tale: This Story Taught Me a Great Life Lesson
Everyone of us will be able to relate to this story.
This is How You Read a Palm: A Simple Guide
The art of palm reading considered one of the oldest mystical arts in the world. Get to know yourself and others with the help of this simple guide!
12 Principles For a Good Life By a Great Thinker
Follow these 12 principles to live a good, healthy life.
Enter into the Healing Arena of Immersive Sound Baths
We invite you to enjoy this playlist as an introductory buffet to sound baths and sound healing. We recommend using your best headphones.
15 Wise Quotes by Famous Figures from the Age of Reason
Inspiring, wise and useful quotes by famous figures from the Age of Reason in history
Did You Know the Origin of These 10 Superstitions?
Discover the interesting reasons behind why you're afraid of walking under ladders, seeing a black cat, breaking a mirror, and many others!
These Are The Things I Will NOT Wish You This Christmas...
This year, my wishes are more meaningful than they've ever been. I would like to wish you nothing more than the love of...
I Hope These Motivational Pictures Bring Light to Your Day
These seemingly simple comic strips all have a deep meaning, motivating us to be our best selves and always see the big picture!
This Beautiful Story Made Me Think About My Life...
This beautiful story takes a simple coffee drink and creates a lesson for us all.
The Truth Behind This Song's Words Will Touch You Deeply
Tears in Heaven was written as a father's attempt to fight the most affecting grief any parent could experience. The beauty of this song staggers.
The Many Truths We Learn As We Turn Another Year Older
Children seem so eager to celebrate their birthdays and turn another year older. But our perception of ageing changes once we hit our 30s.
Life Was Easier 60 Years Ago. Here Are 11 Reasons Why
In many ways, life was much easier half a century ago, and here are 11 ways how...
How to Deal With Regret in 9 Easy Steps
Forgive yourself and let go of the regrets binding you with these easy steps.
What Makes a Friend True? A Beautiful Answer
These words reminded me what friendship is all about, and how lucky I am to have great people in my life.
This Is One Story of Forgiveness I Will Never Forget!
This fascinating story about two brothers and the escalation of a foolish argument they had between them teaches us about life and what forgiveness is all about!
Spiritual Teacher Explains: How to Connect Your Awareness
In this lecture, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a spiritual Buddhist leader from Nepal, will explain how to connect to your consciousness to achieve personal results.