Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

The following poem has been around for years. On the television show "Frasier" the character Daphne had the poem on a poster in her room. Sue Patton Thoele was one of the guest mentors during Buddha Chick Basic Training. Her positive take on life is refreshing. I couldn't think of a better time to share this poem than Valentine's Day. May we take these words to heart and love ourselves as we are ~

The Courage to Be Myself
by Sue Patton Thoele

I have the courage to . . .
Embrace my strengths—
Get excited about life—
Enjoy giving and receiving love —
Face and transform my fears—
Ask for help and support when I need it—
Spring free of the Superwoman Trap—
Trust myself—
Make my own decisions and choices—
Befriend myself—
Complete unfinished business—
Realize that I have emotional and practical rights—
Talk as nicely to myself as I do to my plants—
Communicate lovingly with understanding as my goal—
Honor my own needs—
Give myself credit for my accomplishments—
Love the little girl within me—
Overcome my addiction to approval—
Grant myself permission to play—
Quit being a responsibility sponge—
Feel all of my feelings and act on them appropriately—
Nurture others because I want to, not because I have to—
Choose what is right for me—
Insist on being paid fairly for what I do—
Set limits and boundaries and stick by them—
Say "yes" only when I really mean it—
Have realistic expectations—
Take risks and accept change—
Grow through challenges—
Be totally honest with myself—
Correct erroneous beliefs and assumptions—
Respect my vulnerabilities—
Heal old and current wounds—
Favor the mystery of Spirit—
Wave goodbye to guilt—
Plant "flower" not "weed" thoughts in my mind—
Treat myself with respect and teach others to do the same—
Fill my own cup first, then nourish others from the overflow—
Own my own excellence—
Plan for the future but live in the present—
Value my intuition and wisdom—
Know that I am lovable—
Celebrate the differences between men and women—
Develop healthy, supportive relationships—
Make forgiveness a priority—
Accept myself as I am now--

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh this is exactly the words i need to hear right now. i need to learn to embrace myself as i am more.

teri said...

Wow now that is the consummate list of courageousness! Have a great day my friend.

CaShThoMa said...

What a wonderful, positive poem. Thank you for posting this, especially on Valentine's Day.

Cynthia said...

Words to live by.

Carolynn Anctil said...

Lovely. Well worth taking to heart. Thanks for sharing that with me today.

xoxo

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Thank you for these special words.