Self Acceptance: The Man in the Glass
Self Acceptance: The Man in the Glass
The Man in the Glass, is a poem written by Dale Wimbrow in 1934. Originally, it was called The Guy in the Glass but over the past 80 years, the wording and phrasing has varied slightly. The message of the poem is powerful and a stark reminder that we will only be at ease with ourselves, if we can look in the mirror each day and accept what we see.
What constitutes acceptance is different for us all, but if we try to think about what it universally means to satisfy The Man in the Glass, we could start by asking ourselves the following question. Do we stay true to our values, everyday? Our values may be loyalty, mindfulness, unselfishness or maybe just a commitment to see through a particular task or challenge. Whatever it may be, it must be honoured if we are to remain true to ourselves and be free of guilt.
The Man in the Glass is often recited and used in the military, a message which our soldiers, sailors and airmen can easily relate to. When asked to operate in the most extreme and dangerous environments, honouring values and loyalties is absolutely crucial to their survival.
But ‘The Man in the Glass’ is not just relevant for men, of course it is written by a man about himself and his personal experiences, however, women can as easily resonate with its message and should not be deterred by its clear male bias. At times, we all get wrapped up in trying to impress and please others, win acceptance or fit in with a crowd. At times we all are tempted to act in a way that is not like us, so much so that we can sometimes forget who we really are. But the crowd will only clap for so long. Recognition only feels good for a short time. Money passes through us all temporarily. The man or women in the glass however, they never go away.
The Man in the Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgement upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, right to the end
And you know you have passed the most difficult of tests
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.