“As I Began to Love Myself” is an adaptation of a poem from the book called “When I Loved Myself Enough” by Kim and Alison McMillen.The beautiful poem inspires people to see the positive side even when hitting the rock bottom of life.
Kim McMillen wrote the book and the poem ‘When I Loved Myself Enough’ in 1996, shortly before she died aged only 52. Her daughter, Allison McMillen, continued writing the book and first published it in 2001. Soon, this mind-blowing piece turned into an underground bestseller in the USA.
Please note though this poem has been wrongly attributed to Charlie Chaplin on many websites, it originally is written by Kim and Alison McMillen.
Here are the findings by Snopes.
Related: 9 Steps That’ll Make Self Love Easier
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.
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 steeling 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 the 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 worry 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!
Related: Why You Should Always Choose Yourself First
Loving oneself can bring about true healing and transformation. When I came across this poem I was so inspired, that I had to share this wonderful work of art with each and every one of you.
With these powerful words filled with truth and intense emotion, the poem calls upon the reader to look at themselves and ask, “Do I really love who I am and who I’m becoming?” I invite you all to breathe these words in and reflect on what it truly means to love yourself.
Notice the world around you and how you relate to it. How have your misconceptions, attitude, self-esteem, and limiting beliefs all gotten in the way of you living a full and happy life?
Have you come to believe that somehow you are not deserving of self-love and that you do not merit all that comes with being gentle, kind, understanding, and most importantly, forgiving of yourself?
The poet brilliantly describes one’s journey of self-exploration and acceptance. With awareness of self and an open heart to accepting what Kim describes as the steps required to truly experience life in all its glory.
Be your authentic beautiful self each and every day. Respect all those wonderful parts of you that are unique and truly special.
Celebrate each day no matter the challenges and tests you are called to face. Evolution of self results when learn to accept that what happens to us in life is all part of a larger plan the universe has mapped out for us.
Related: 10 Steps For Practicing Self Love
There is no experience we aren’t capable of overcoming when we believe in our abilities and purpose in this world. Allow the wisdom of your heart to shine through.
Let it guide you to the life you know you deserve. Love yourself and keep moving forward.
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