After struggling to make first string at the University of Michigan, Tom Brady wasn’t picked until the 6th round of the NFL draft. Six Super Bowl wins later, we all know the story of Tom and the New England Patriots.
The Amazing Life of Charlie Chaplin
A story you might be less familiar with, although you know the name, is Charlie Chaplin. Born in England, due to the early death of his father and the illness of his mother, Charlie needed to begin supporting himself before the age of 10. Taking up the family business, he and his brother started acting, which brought Charlie to the US in 1910. The story of his life is incredible, with details here.
Charlie died in 1977, with a career that included the roles of actor, comic, writer, composer, musician, director, producer, and author. What a career, what a life.
Self-Love as Defined by Charlie Chaplin
Most relative to my ministry (and just sent to me by a very good friend) is the following, found here, which are Charlie’s reflections on self-love. Charlie Chaplin is quoted as saying…
- 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 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”!
Although baptized in the Church of England, Charlie didn’t practice any form of religion for much of his life, with debate over whether he was an agnostic or an atheist. That said, much of what he’s quoted as saying above fits right into what I speak to on a regular….
All Rooted in Knowing the Love of Jesus Christ
As always, please feel free to comment to me at [email protected].
God Bless you on your Path to Peace, Joy, and Fulfillment!!!
Mark Joseph