Dear Abby's "Keepers" - Myself

My mother in law gave me a box of cookbooks to share with Justine and Anna.  In this box was this small book:  Dear Abby's "Keepers."  There are some gems in here!  I will share every now and again with you, my followers.  

I thought I would start out with one entitled:

Myself
by Edgar Albert Guest

I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know
I want to be able, as days go by,
Always to look myself straight in the eye.

I don't want to stand, with the setting sun,
And hate myself for the things I've done.
I want to go out with my head erect, 
I want to deserve all men's respect.

For here in the struggle for fame and self
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
I'm bluster, a bluff and an empty show.

I never can hide myself from me;
I see what others may never see.
I know what others may never know,
I never can fool myself and so, 
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience-free.

Being true to yourself, liking yourself - this has been the theme of many of my "Motivational Monday" posts over the past 5 years.  

In the past, my reaction to some situations had me not liking myself - regretting things I have said or done.  These experiences helped me to grow.  "I have to live with me...." has been my mantra for years.  That is why I like this poem so much and found it appropriate to share today.

"I never can hide myself from me;"  is my favorite line.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.