“I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone-it people like me” ~ Stuart Smalley
Often, while meditating and sending myself loving kindness, I think of these words from the Saturday Night Live character. It always makes me chuckle a bit to myself.
But this morning in meditation, these words actually became a bit more meaningful. Thinking about them individually, as Bhante Sujatha teaches us to do when thinking “may I be well, happy and peaceful”.
So starting with “I’m good enough”, I thought how each of us may feel that we fall short sometimes. And then make excuses that we are doing the best we can, and we are not perfect. And while I agree we are not perfect, I think there is a better path we can take.
Observing the love and kindness within in you, allow this to be present for all people. Not just the ones that say and do what you want. Expose your kindness, acceptance and generosity to all beings equally without condition or expectation. You truly are good enough to do this.
“Smart enough”? Are you smart enough to see that we are all connected and feel pain, joy, sorrow, and impermanence? Of course you are! We only need to open our hearts to this reality and cultivate this equanimity and love for ourselves and for others. Smart enough to do this unconditionally for yourself and allow this to develop towards all others.
But do people “like you”? I mean do they genuinely like you and care about you?
If you are living genuinely and lovingly, then I am sure they do. Your determination to be of benefit to yourself and all other beings is a powerful force that lives on long after your physical body is gone. And being mindful of this can only help you to develop this acceptance and compassionate nature that is within you. Liking yourself is the only way that others are allowed to like you and care about you.
So perhaps you think this is a silly post. But then again, the next time that you meditate this may come into your mind and cause you to smile. And if it does, then please just remember, you are good enough, smart enough, and doggone-it people like you!
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
