Giving to Ourselves What We Never Give Enough

Val enjoys writing prose in rhymes by always leaving a message of a life truism in each piece.

Self care is never a selfish act -- it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.

-- Parker Palmer

Introduction

All those words that I have used to uplift my own spirit sometimes as if crave to be shared in a friendly spiritual boost with others. So here are some, for anyone who could add them to their own verbal coping with some possible unfavorable times in their life.

People of this world have become such experts at annoying, boring, criticizing, and scaring each other, so that a word of support is not easy to run into -- let alone from some total strangers.

Personally, I seem to have been destined to row my own spiritual boat and just not allow anyone to rock it. So I know what those moments of heart's loneliness feel like -- before we each find out a way to pick ourselves up by bootstraps in life. Having many friends is not something written in my stars, as so many that meant something either moved far, or it was me who did the moving, which was even more the case.

So that now, from time to time I write these friendly words of support to some total strangers -- and doing it is feeling just good. Having learned to be, and to stay my own best friend, is prompting me in these writings to inspire others to be the same.

For, we may love our mankind all we want, but they are way too busy with themselves as to play that bosom-buddy role in our life. And family is loving and always there for us, emotionally and otherwise -- but in that very deep score it's impossible for them to know us enough as to give that warm touch to our intimate reality which only we can.

Without giving ourselves that due love, and respect, and appreciation, while unconditionally embracing the entirety of who we are -- we are just a bunch of mental beggars, fishing around for something that we are refusing to give ourselves.

The following two pieces of my prose in rhymes are touching that theme.

If you have to beg someone to be in your life, they don't belong there.

-- Mandy Hale

A World of Mental Beggars

From people in our lives we expect

what to ourselves we won't give

over so many years of neglect

like mental beggars we live.

We'll kiss some butts for a crumb of love

and for respect we may do even more

bribing with rituals our gods above

praying for our deserving score.

We use others as mirrors of our worth

at times running into distorting reflection

showing us as the ugliest creatures on earth

so our image depends on our mirror collection.

Just can't love unconditionally that baby inside

to appreciate her warmly for exactly who she is

as if keeping her undeserving face in deep hide

putting on the mask that's bound to better please.

We are mental beggars -- just not aware

our false pride won't let us see that fact

those of us who know it are truly rare

seeing through all of our phony act.

There isn't any better mental beggary test

than observing how we feel without others

how our own company makes us stressed

while every emerging emotion just bothers.

For, when we are honestly "at home" in our own skin

some solitude may play the magic in our heart

it's not anymore the game of lose or win

but peace giving us fresh kick start.

Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in the consciousness that we deserve them.

-- Aristotle

Don't Talk Yourself Out of Your Greatness

Don't talk yourself out of your greatness

if all the things don't look favorable enough

with chemical crutches to induce sedateness

refusing to acknowledge life's call for going tough.

Accept your responsibility to choose

if you don't do it for yourself -- who will

life can hit us hard, but ignore that bruise

a need to act will stay after all tears you spill.

Spitefully and resolute grab life by the horns

do whatever it takes, not selling yourself short

whenever you need roses, count on some thorns

so treat yourself with dignity, but be the good sport.

Write words for your own birthday card

let it sound like a plan, not empty wishes

don't drag a sore ass, beaten and scarred

swimming upstream takes some alive fishes.

Accept the pain, even challenge for more

don't show your body it can intimidate you

because when it comes to that final score

you'll know you have done all that was due.

Nothing is stronger than a mind's resolve

so don't talk yourself out of your greatness

just go on doing everything that it may involve

not lulled into can'titis but with a spirit's alertness.

Video on several aspects of our loving ourselves

Please Take My Poll

© 2020 Val Karas

Comments

Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on December 06, 2020:

My pleasure Sir ;-)

Thanks as well for the life lessons to linger on , it's a huge help for us Youngs. Great day to you again!

Val Karas (author) from Canada on December 06, 2020:

Chrish -- I am delighted to know that some far away deep soul like you found an inspiration in my writing. Thank you for your nice comment, and have yourself a great rest of this Sunday.

Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on December 06, 2020:

Every lines are so relatable, so much to cope, we're growing so as life adversities " whenever you need roses count on some thorns " oooh this line has a huge impact.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend Sir karas ;-) and God bless!

Val Karas (author) from Canada on December 05, 2020:

Brenda -- Happiness in duet is two self-loving persons creating a chemistry between them without an emotional co-dependence .That way they don't expect the other to "make" them happy, and it's all really about giving of what they already have a lot in their heart.

There is no loneliness when we make a good company to ourselves. Solitude has that potential to expand our intimate reality. So many masterpieces were created during a quiet reflection.

I truly appreciate your smart comments, my dear poetic friend.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on December 05, 2020:

The picture of the doggy is so cute.

The poem about mental beggars is one I can picture.

The peace that relaxes us giving us a kick start is a great feeling. To be truly happy in your on skin..not needing someone or something to keep you afloat.

It is a lonesome feeling though unless you can find one who is also happy in his own skin to share life with.