Love the Fool

“I must learn to love the fool in me–the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of my human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my Fool.”

Theodore Isaac Rubin (born 1923); psychiatrist, author

How true, Doctor Rubin.  We all must!

Perhaps if we do this before having children or by the time they’re four-months old, we can help out children do that, too.  I suspect many mothers wonder whether or not they’ve done a good job in raising our children.  Most of the time, I’m certain I did not a good job, but a great one.  My children are now adults with whom I love to spend time!

My children: Chris (l) and Kate (r) on a Christmas morning!

But sometimes I hear their insecurities, the fact that they don’t love every part of themselves.  Or wish they were different.  And then I think…  this was an area where I was not mindful.  Oh, I told them they were smart, beautiful/handsome, funny…  but I would welcome thoughts on how to help a child to do exactly what Dr. Rubin proposes…

Will you help me?  What do you think helps to build self-love in our children?

© Melissa Pazen, 2013