I recently came across this poem. It was painted on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta, India. While it’s well-known to many, it’s new to me. I like it so much I’ve decided to share it here:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
Very few of us will change the (entire) world. But, following the advice in these verses is a great way to improve our little corner of it.
That’s all that matters anyway.
Encouragement is Personal 