Tune In To The Life Wisdom Of Charlie Chaplin
If you want to find rainbows, best not to look down.
‘The cleverest character in comedy is the clown, for he who would make people take him for a fool, must not be one,’ (himself).
Who doesn’t love a clown? Clowns always make us laugh, really laugh, but they’re often solving problems that we can relate to.
Laughter is the finest of medicine, a force for democracy, and an easy and ultimate infectious rearranging of our psyche.
But, beneath the costume can often be a complex individual, a thinker, and a seeker of truth.
The reality is that none of us can be happy all the time. Nothing lasts forever, and even in happiness, that level must change.
Charlie left a legacy. It wasn’t real estate. It wasn’t cash. And it certainly didn’t share in a booming stock market. Even all those years ago, what others saw as progress, worried him.
Instead, he chose to leave us the following advice through which we can draw strength, and lead more worthy lives.
Let’s look at what these might mean.
- Nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.
Now that’s something to think about. Sometimes when we are enveloped in sadness, we feel that we can’t go on. Life seems harsh and tedious, and we wonder how we can cope.
But then, the rain disappears, the sun comes out, and we forget our anxiety, long for the sun, with all its benefits, to continue forever.
And that’s life…never constant, and ever-changing.
When we get hurt, it stings, but that sting heals. It doesn’t last so long.
The sun rises, and it sets. We know and accept that. It’s a comforting fact.
The seasons turn, each bringing their own beauty, whilst doing the job they are designed for, new life, growth, dying, waiting, and rebirth.
Always changing, forever on a journey, this challenges us to embrace the cycles in our lives, and do something bold.
2. I love walking in the rain because no one can see my tears.
How many times have we taken ourselves off on a lonely walk in order to let the tears flow, and cry ourselves to a resolution? I love the idea of the tears and the rain merging together in a flow that is both freeing but controlled at the same time.
The idea of a clown being able to unload, to free the mask that is so much of his trademark, is comforting, for in many ways we too wear masks, but ours are less visible.
3. The most lost day in life is the day we don’t laugh.
Laughter is so good for the soul, so we should be practising it daily. Laughter deals with so many things, the sadness, the worries, and the anxiety we feel. When our life feels like it’s in the doldrums, find a way to laugh.
The thing about laughter is that it’s cheaper than chips. In fact, it’s free. Its healing powers have been well-documented. It’s like a windshield wiper. It can’t stop the rain, but it allows you to keep going.
Some people, those who know the power of humor, have us laughing so hard, that by the time we have finished, it’s difficult to remember what the joke was about in the first place. Does that matter? Not at all. There is no better feeling than a good belly laugh.
Laughter helps us offload the cares of the day. It helps us readjust our focus and put things into perspective. Have a good laugh often, and feel the cares melt away. It works every time.
Sure, you’ll get wrinkles, but they’ll be in the right place and won’t make your face sag!
4. The six best doctors in the world are:
- The sun…everybody wants the sun to shine on the earth and make everything right, to warm us up on a spring day, with the promise of even more, in summer.
- Enough rest…it’s the balm you need when you are tempted to quit. Rest allows you to replenish your soul, and to be kind and generous to others. It also helps to energize the body so that you can be in the business of being ‘back in business.
- Exercise…it’s not just about making your body look better. Exercise also works on your mind, your heart and your attitude. You will be a kinder and more forgiving person for it.
- Diet…the dreaded diet word, and yet, the way we eat is a reflection of the level of respect we have for ourselves…medicine or poison? The choice is yours. Your greatest asset is health, and good food choices are the way to get there.
- Self-respect…this is a big one. Walking away from something that doesn’t serve you well is a hard thing to do, and yet, it’s the one thing that will keep you safe and at peace. If you remain strong and outwardly confident, even when your confidence is wavering, you will have the power to go on loving yourself. Never let anyone get comfortable with disrespecting you.
- Friends…especially a best friend. With a fabulous friend, your world is always brighter. A best friend is the one who walks into your life and says, ‘I’m here for you. How can I help?’ Your best friend may not be close by, but they will be very close and in tune with your needs, no matter where they live.
The above is Charlie’s yardsticks, his clinicians for a great and well-lived life, a little ready reference for the times when your life is challenged.
Get plenty of rest, and balance that with exercise.
Enjoy the changing seasons.
Believe in yourself.
Eat for good health.!
In our lifetime we travel in and out of situations, we tackle challenges, and at times we cave in to fear. But if we look after the most important things, if we nurture our ability to laugh, we will be able to weather the storms when they arrive.
Life is just a journey! Live it today, with all its challenges!
Tomorrow we hope for, but it’s not a certainty.
Remember, before something truly wonderful happens, everything seems to be falling apart.