My recent “recess” day seems to have joined forces with my “best self” insight, leading me to remember a favorite song from long, long ago. It was a time when I had gotten (way) off track and was intuitively using music to get myself back to center.
The song was The Greatest Love of All, as originally recorded by George Benson. Whitney Houston later made it an even bigger hit, but I always resonated more with the original version. And something I only just learned is that it was written for the soundtrack of a movie about Muhammad Ali.
I think these are some of the most powerful lyrics ever set to a popular song…
The Greatest Love of All
I believe the children are our future;
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier;
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we use to be.
Everybody’s searching for a hero;
People need someone to look up to.
I never found anyone who fulfilled my need.
A lonely place to be, and so I learned to depend on me.
I decided long ago never to walk in anyone’s shadow.
If I fail, if I succeed.
At least I lived as I believe.
No matter what they take from me,
They can’t take away my dignity.
Because the greatest love of all is happening to me.
I found the greatest love of all inside of me.
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve.
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
And if by chance that special place that you’ve been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love.
My two favorite lines?
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
Find your strength in love!