Eileen Manassian Poet Sonnet

To Love Myself

To truly love myself- this I resolve
To guard with zeal my tenderness of heart
Of every sin and doubt myself absolve
And fortify and strengthen every part

To cherish and accept the inner me
To know and relish every single dream
The woman that I am, to set her free
To put aside each hindrance to love’s theme

I do resolve to be my dearest friend
To celebrate the wonders that I own
To spend time in my world and not pretend
To shine around the goodness I’ve been shown

A short time have I left to truly shine
And thus I vow to make my living fine

Entered For Regina's New Year's Resolutions Contest
On December 16, 2014

Learning to love myself has not been an easy task for me. Oh, it was easy when I was younger....perhaps I was overconfident then. Now, I have my good days and my bad days...days when self-loathing sets in and I find it hard to want to go on. I have learned...the hard way, that if you don't care for and cherish yourself, if you don't guard your dreams, if you don't look out for yourself, then no one will. It's a fact of life. You need to be confident and secure in who you are and what you have to offer. No matter how many times people tell you you are beautiful, no matter how often people tell you you are talented, no matter how many words are written in your praise, if you do not love yourself, you are unable to accept and believe and hope in the reality of these words. I'm not there yet, but I don't have much time to put this love into action. A healthy love of self is necessary. Christ said, "Love your neighbor...AS  YOURSELF: (as you love yourself).  I wish I had learned this sooner. I try to instill it in my daughter....this belief in oneself. I'm so glad that she is a confident, beautiful, and self-possessed woman. I can live on through her. Thank you all for your kindness to me. Thank you for loving me, when I've been difficult to love. May God bless you one and all. HUGS

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Casarah Nance January 3, 2015 at 8:17 AM Wonderful. A year ago, I would have not had the confidence to post anything online. Every picture of me I wore baggy jeans and a t-shirt. This last year I have broken through those barriers that we seem to place on ourselves, I wish the same as you, keep showing, celebrating, and loving ! Happy New Year :)

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty January 2, 2015 at 2:14 AM You deserved this win Eileen >LOVE>RAJAT Eileen Manassian January 2, 2015 at 2:24 AM I'm glad you think so, Rajat. God bless.

Kayod5 Kayode January 2, 2015 at 12:35 AM It is another winning year Eileen, congrats my friend ...huggs Eileen Manassian January 2, 2015 at 2:23 AM I'm thankful for the visit and comment. Blessings

Poet Destroyer A January 1, 2015 at 5:56 PM Eileen, Congratulations -- This is a great way to start the new year. Enjoyed reading your winning poem. Always & Forever ~LINDA~ Eileen Manassian January 2, 2015 at 2:22 AM Thanks, PD. This was an older write. Glad it fit the contest theme. Take care....

Sandra Haight January 1, 2015 at 3:49 PM Beautiful poem, Eileen, and so much inspiration and advice that can help so many of us. Congratulations on your win! Happy New Year, Sandra Eileen Manassian January 2, 2015 at 2:21 AM Sandra....thank you for your visit and kind comment. Wishing you all the best in the New Year.

Eve Roper January 1, 2015 at 1:47 PM Eileen,always love yourself congratulations on your winning poem. Blessings to you for the coming year Eileen Manassian January 2, 2015 at 2:19 AM Thank you, Eve. I'll try. Having gotten there yet. Have a fab NEW YEAR...

Jan Allison January 1, 2015 at 12:54 PM touching heartfelt write - guess we all have our insecurities hence why I don't paste a picture! congrats on your win:-) Hugs jan xx Eileen Manassian January 2, 2015 at 2:17 AM I'm sure those green eyes enchant....thanks for the visit.

Richard Lamoureux April 14, 2014 at 11:16 AM How could I not see the good in you? You possess a beautiful heart that shines from your eyes and through your words. I enjoyed rereading your poem Eileen. Big Canadian Bear Hug from Baby Bear. Eileen Manassian April 14, 2014 at 12:28 PM Richard....I'm touched by the warmth of your words and hug. Thank you for being so generous with you praise....Baby Bear hugs are lovely...

Cyndi Macmillan January 28, 2014 at 11:11 AM I enjoyed this one, Eileen. The message is timeless and timely. Hope you're well... PS FAVING THIS. Glad I was pointed this way. Eileen Manassian January 28, 2014 at 11:54 AM So good to have a visit from you.....I enjoy your blogs. I've left a comment now and again....So glad to have your visit here. Thanks for being gracious enough yo fav this....Makes me so happy...HUGS

Charles Henderson January 19, 2014 at 1:06 AM Such good thought and self advice. You came across with your message very well. I may soup mail you later, may not. Is nothing I just like view on sonnet theory. Eileen Manassian January 19, 2014 at 1:12 AM Hi, Charles. Thank you for your visit. Feel free to soup mail. I'm no expert in sonnet form. I know there are many different ways, but I got some help from a fellow souper here, so......I'm very indebted to him. Take care!

Shadow Hamilton December 30, 2013 at 5:23 PM you have learned one of the great secrets of life Eileen to love one must first love one's self super write Shadow x smile hug Eileen Manassian January 19, 2014 at 1:13 AM Sorry this is so late, Shadow........I did want to thank you for your kind words on learning to love myself. It's a long process and I'm not there yet, but.....I'm trying!! Hugs back at ya!

Liam Mcdaid December 30, 2013 at 4:12 PM thats the path i took in order to move forward beautifully penned eileen happy new year Eileen Manassian January 19, 2014 at 1:14 AM Sorry I'm late with this response, Liam.......I'm so glad that you have learned to love yourself.....You surely deserve it, my dear!!!! :)

Arthur Vaso December 29, 2013 at 11:43 PM Another beautiful poem. I am sad you feel you have to guard your dreams, dreams should be shared just like love. However who you are? Well for that people have to earn your trust, it should not be given easily. As for beauty, sometimes its a curse, for true beauty is timeless, when you see a person who knows to look inside and not at the cover, then you have found a person who knows true beauty. Listen to me being so wise and positive!! Oh the irony !!!! Eileen Manassian January 19, 2014 at 1:11 AM Arthur, you've been quiet lately...I hope all is ok. I can't believe I didn't answer this lovely post when you made it. I probably just posted an answer on one of your poems. I want to thank you for giving me this lovely advice. Irony? Well, it is always easier to advise others than oneself so...I completely understand. :) Sending you hugs today, wherever you are! Arthur Vaso December 29, 2013 at 11:43 PM I cant believe I made such a long reply!!!

Demetrios Trifiatis December 29, 2013 at 1:56 PM It is extremely difficult for someone to love, oneself, honestly and unselfishly, unless one his inner voice listens to that whispers: You the creation of the LORD are! How is it possible not to love yourself? Love yourself dear Eileen for everybody else does love you! Happy New Year! Eileen Manassian December 29, 2013 at 5:19 PM Thank you for this sweet comment that I will carry with me into the New Year. You are kindhearted and sweet, my dear poet. I wish you your heart's desires.

Richard Lamoureux December 29, 2013 at 10:58 AM Amen to that Eileen! Every woman shoul read this. Eileen Manassian December 29, 2013 at 5:17 PM You've seen the good in me, Richard. I am grateful. I won't forget it.

Richard D Seal December 29, 2013 at 7:23 AM This is as good a new years resolution as they come my little Desert Orchid, I'll give it till Jan 2 lol. I'm making one myself, declaring not to tease Eileen any more, mind you, you could probably hold your breath and still live for how long that'll last hahaha Take care, Richard Eileen Manassian December 30, 2013 at 4:16 PM Better leave what I think to MYSELF, Mr Richard D Seal!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR Richard D Seal December 29, 2013 at 5:31 PM hahaha I dunno what do you think? Eileen Manassian December 29, 2013 at 5:15 PM Don't you mean CAN'T keep away? Richard D Seal December 29, 2013 at 10:44 AM Back already, I just keep away lol Eileen Manassian December 29, 2013 at 7:41 AM Thank you for this kind visit, Mr Seal. It is much appreciated. Forgive me, but I know you well enough to know that you are UNABLE to remain true to your resolution of not teasing me. YOU thrive on it, Mr Seal. It adds extra PS spice to your life, and you WILL be back. I am certain. Till then, I do wish you a pleasant start to your new year. May it be one filled with whatever brings you joy...though I will not venture to wonder here what that might be.

Frederic Parker December 29, 2013 at 7:15 AM a touching poem as we all live in a fortress of solitude, though sometimes we allow the walls to crumble Eileen Manassian December 29, 2013 at 7:43 AM Yes, Frederic, your post is full of wisdom and truth. Thank you for your visit. I hope the new year is filled with good things for you.

Anne-Lise Andresen December 29, 2013 at 6:48 AM - Eileen, it's almost a new year - new opportunities, we can start the year with a "clean slate" - Not easy .... but make a try. - Well written, dear friend - HAPPY NEW YEAR!! - oxox // Anne-Lise :) Eileen Manassian December 29, 2013 at 7:45 AM Yes, my dear. I will....So much needs changing....Let's hope for the best. I also wish you every blessing and grace! HUGS