ANYWAY

Today I located a copy of a poem that I had carried with me for many years and used as a teaching tool on numerous occasions. Yeah! I thought it lost or thrown out never to be found again until recently. Perusing one of our local Goodwill shops for books and magazines about two weeks ago I happened upon a book that immediately grabbed my attention. This book was written based on my poem! The poem I found approximately 10-12 years prior was considered anonymously written and I accepted that to be the case, until now. And then tonight I stumbled upon a copy I had stashed in my studio and long ago forgotten. Serendipity!!! Granted, the poem is somewhat different than the information contained in the book but it is too close to be mere coincidence. I would like to share with you this poem that has remained close to my heart for a quarter of my life...

 

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical & 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 false friends & some true enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest & frank, people may cheat you. Be honest & frank anyway.

What you spend years building someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.

If you find serenity & happiness they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have & it may never be enough. Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis it is between you & God. It never was between you & them Anyway.

This is my motto, mantra, walking orders - whatever label you place on it - this is what I live by. Always give your best & love. I am directly answerable to God for my behavior and being good just plain feels good.

Should you be interested in reading the book for yourself it is entitled "Anyway - The Paradoxical Commandments" by Kent M. Keith.

Good Night and Love to All...