POEM: Sneaky Paths to Self-Love  

When you pass by a mirror, pause there for a beat.
Say, “Hello, lovely human!” to the face that you meet.
It may feel quite silly. You’ll laugh at the view.
But this life is unfolding and happ’ning to you.

Here are nine pathways to self-love . . . try them today.
They’re sneaky and winding, but each shows a way.

One: Push out of your box. Tell your “I can’t” to scoot.
Take one baby step. Let the next one take root.

Two: When somebody puzzles you, loosen your grip.
You can care without judging the choice of their trip.

Three: Feel loved for a moment. Let warmth settle in.
No proof is required. Just let it begin.

Four: Make room before bedtime for one lovely dream.
Let the day drift away like a leaf on the stream.

Five: Recall that small baby who once wore your face,
Who burped and fussed and was loved without blame.
That lovable person is still in the place
Where you keep your grown heart . . . one and the same.

Six: Tell yourself truth if you’re troubled today.
You needn’t claim “fine” when not feeling that way.

Seven: When young violins squeak as they play,
Love their brave efforts. Let yours sound that way.

Eight: Give yourself kindness whenever you can.
A rest or a pardon can change how you stand.

Nine: Let beauty shine outward from somewhere within.
A warm word, a kind look—that’s how you begin.

For kindness, once practiced, has places to go.
From you to a neighbor, then farther . . . who knows?

So, smile at your mirror. Let self-love start small.
Perhaps that’s the sneakiest pathway of all.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think is the purpose of self-love? How has your self-love traveled to others?