Love Yourself
There have been times throughout my life when I have fallen, whether through temptation, envy or jealousy, leaving me ashamed of the person I have become. But each time, I have somehow managed to stagger to my feet, determined to become a better person; lead a better life… one I can be proud of.
Today, I look at life in a very different way. I’m no longer tempted to take what isn’t mine, envy what others may have or allow feelings of jealousy deprive me of happiness. I have learned to accept and be thankful for what I have. Age and experience have taught me much.
This wonderful world in which I live provides me with considerably more than material possessions. Nature itself, in all her glory, has so much to offer. I am blessed with the warmth of the sun and the coolness of rain; an abundance of vibrant plants and flowers and fresh, clean air in which to breathe.
Music and poetry soothe my soul and I find the comfort I crave in the love of family and friends.
One thing I have learned from my time on earth is that sometimes it’s necessary to fail in order to succeed. Only then can we truly appreciate what we achieve.
And while striving to earn respect, it is just as important to respect others. Otherwise, how are we able to respect ourselves?
That is why, during times of trouble, whether personal or beyond my control, I constantly remind myself of these words…
Life is good
Love yourself
For you are your greatest gift
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA beautiful story, Linda. Perhaps if we could all live life that way, there would be a lot less strife in the world. Very nicely done.
Thank you Carrie. There is a lot of me in this story!
Reading your well written story, so full of wisdom and compassion, reminded me that I once saw that there is a special Japanese word for objects which are broken and repaired. The word is “kintsugi”and it means “golden repair.” The meaning is that a thing which has a background, a history, has a value and the damage should not be hidden. On the contrary, imperfections are embraced. This is what I see… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAs always, Christer, you are so right. I am thankful to have reached my age and look back on my life. If only, what I have learned, was not learned sooner but then these things do only come with age. Thank you for sharing the Japanese word, kintsugi, and what a wonderful word it is. I found the meaning to be quite emotional. Thank you so much.
Linda, I also reminded myself of those words, “Life is good. Love yourself. For you are your greatest gift”. I’ll admit, I feel too emotional after reading your story. I remember all my hardships, problems, and pain. Don’t get me wrong for being too emotional. I just reflected on your story. I want you to know that you did it well. It is beautiful and well written, Linda.
Oh Lotchie, your comments went straight to my heart. I hope you will always be reminded of those words. I really appreciate your kind words to me.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleMy cat, my faithful companion for 18 years, has left me last week. I cling to the happy memories and struggle through my grief of missing her so much… Your story has soothed me. Thank you, Linda.
Oh Greene, how very sad for you. 18 years together, the loss must be devastating. It is the happy memories that keep us going, thank goodness for those. I’m so glad my story, in some small way, has helped you. Thank you for commenting.
Greene, sending so much love to you. We lost one of our cats last year just before his 18th birthday, so I really do understand how you feel. We still have his sister, she’ll be 19 next month, and four younger cats, but it doesn’t make losing our old boy any less painful. Hugs from me and my menagerie xx
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Carrie. We still have our boy cat but, at 14, he is not spring chicken either. I guess we wish our furbabies were immortal…
Beautiful reflection and message, Linda. One we should put on the fridge and read every morning as a reminder. Well done!
Thank you so much, Sandra. I really appreciate your comments.
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