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!
The ABCs of Being a True Friend!
What make a truly good friend? The ABC of friendship of course!
You Don’t Need a Streaming Service to Watch These Movies
Don’t Have Netflix? No worries. Watch these great classics for free right here!
Welcoming Long-Awaited Fall With the Right Poem
If you know anyone who is still sulking about the summer ending, send this poem to them!
Classic Comedy: Charlie Chaplin at the Factory
Enjoy this hilarious scene from the iconic Charlie Chaplin movie, 'Modern Times'.
This Study Shows Where People Need to Be Touched
Touching is vital for human development in children, and it's also vital for the strength of familial and romantic relationships. Learn more here.
This Poem Reminds Us of Everything to be Grateful For
Let us take this poem as a moment of gratitude for the memories we collected during spring and summer.
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.
Always Carry Some Hope in Your Heart...
If life feels as though it is falling apart, be strong and never lose hope.
She Left This Letter Before She Died, It Was Heartbreaking
A little girl passed away, this is the letter they found...
12 Steps For Achieving a Relationship to Cherish for Life
If you take these 12 steps, then you'll have a relationship with your partner that you'll cherish forever more.
8 Beautiful Quotes By the Great Artist Frida Kahlo
An artist with a soul so deep, Frida Kahlos, uttered words that had an impact on the world that can be felt to this day. Here are 8 of her most memorable quotes
Guide: How to Release Trapped Emotions
Trapped emotions can both physically and spiritually damage us. Here's how you can release them safely.
Learn From This Wise, Blind Man How to Really See People
I always thought blindness was a disability, but when I heard Tommy Edison's thoughts about racism, I recalled what Martin Luther King said all those years ago.
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.
10 Things That Matter in Life That We Always Forget
We often forget the following 10 things, but by embracing them we can live more fulfilling lives.
Rejoice and God Bless: The Spiritual Teaching of the Bible
These are the most comforting and inspiring words you will ever hear: the words of Jesus of Nazareth, that fill me with life and hope. Consider, and rejoice.
10 Types of People We All Need in Our Life
Today we will introduce you to 10 types of people that your soul needs, and we will also explain to you where you can find them and who they can be.
15 Powerful Anthony Hopkins Quotes to Remember
Read to discover some profound words on life by Anthony Hopkins, one of Hollywood’s most distinguished actors and a living legend.
These 3 Daily Choices are Behind 90% of Our Success
By making these choices a daily practice and cultivating healthy habits as a result, we can achieve any ambition that resides within us.
Hack Your Brain to Get Moving Again: Psychological Tricks
If you’re feeling unmotivated or down, there’s a psychological concept that can push your brain to help you get back on track.
Take Part in This Guided Morning Meditation For Beginners
Read this article to learn how to perform a morning meditation session, and find out what you can gain from it. Found this meditation guide interesting? Make sure to share it with your friends, too!
If You've Known Love, This Song Will Move You...
Contemporary pop songs don't manage to convey the emotion of love like the songs of the past, but this wonderful piece does so in a charming and moving way...
These Inspirational Quotes Can Help Boost Your Faith
The spiritual quotes in this video can help you better understand your faith and relationship with God. They will provide you with strength, clarity and motivation,
6 Sure Signs You Are a Truly Moral Person
It turns out that how you communicate with others and how you react in difficult life situations says a lot about your moral stance.
18 Beautiful Words of Affirmation to Cultivate Confidence
Here is a collection of 18 terrific words of affirmation that will channel some positivity and motivation into your life!
A Beautiful and Inspiring Story About True Forgiveness
An inspiring story of two friends who learn something special about forgiveness together.
20 Great Women in History Whose Wise Words Speak the Truth
Be inspired by the quotes of some of the most famous women of all time.
Beautiful Story: The Mouse and the Mouse Trap!
This story teaches us that when we help others, we truly help ourselves.
10 Things You'll Regret in 10 Years' Time
From the stories and experiences of countless people, we can already know what you might regret in less than 10 years, and you can avoid it if you just know these common regrets and make the right choices today.
A Poet's Deep Writing Still Resonates Centuries Later...
The poet Hafiz wrote beautiful poetry. His wise words are still relevant today and offer an inspiring perspective on life.
True Wealth Isn't Measured by Bank Accounts...
Despite the relentless push by everything around us to convince us of the merits of materialism, true wealth is markedly different. Enjoy this video.
Some Quotes Have the Power to Stay with Us for a Lifetime...
An uplifting list of the most powerful quotes from our favorite childhood books.
20 Powerful Quotes That Will Uplift Your Spirits
We all have difficult days where the simplest of tasks seem like a huge burden upon us. These 20 powerful quotes will keep you motivated all day long!
Get in Here for Some Heartwarming Captures!
Let these captures and posts warm your heart with some positive stories.
This Meditation Guide Just May Change Your Life!
There is a free and effective way to improve your life in a variety of areas, find out how by reading this article....
Even in Difficult Times, the Beauty of Gratitude Shines
Even if you're having a bad day, not feeling too good, or just feel dissatisfied with your life in general, you should always remember to be thankful. Here' why
Inspiring and Comforting Quotes for Tough Moments
14 quotes on perseverance through hard times to inspire and lift your spirit.
5 Zen Parables With Profound Life Lessons
Read these enlightening short Zen stories that have profound life lessons.
Remind Yourself of Love's Meaning With These 15 Quotes
If you need reminding of the true value and meaning of love, read these 15 quotes to re-ignite that spark.
How to Argue Effectively Without Losing Relationships
An argument with a friend or family member can turn unpleasant rather quickly. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case.
Once These Words Enter Your Heart, They Can't Be Forgotten
I hope these inspiring words help you along the path of life.
Color Therapy: How To Make Your Home a More Joyful Place
The research in color psychology and therapy shows that you can alter your mood by adding color to your home. Here's how it works...
Heed This Advice and Your Life Will Change for the Better!
Sometimes all it takes to change the way people think is one simple sentence. Therefore, here are 10 motivational sentences which might just change your life.
8 Effective Tips That Will Help You Solve Any Problem
Any problem that comes with us, large or small, may feel complicated and difficult to solve. following these 8 tips will help solve your problems easily.
5 Psychological Theories For Understanding the Mind & Soul
These five psychological theories are considered to be breakthroughs in understanding the mind. Knowing them can certainly change your life for the better.
Mikhail Litvak’s Important Life Lessons In Quotes
These quotes by Mikhail Litvak will help you understand the true nature of life and guide you toward the right path to your personal success and happiness.
May These Words Light Your Way...
Sometimes It's not easy to listen to something, But when we do, good things just might happen. Read some wise thoughts and take a moment to ponder.