I’ve had a hell of a winter. Between my father being sick, MH having to have a heart procedure (he’s fine), losing my aunt, and watching people I really like and respect at work lose their jobs, I’ve been feeling more lost than usual. Spring, with its promise of renewal and rebirth, is most welcome.
My writing has been slow, but it’s times like these that I appreciate what it gives me–the ability to escape from reality; the ability to create something of which I can be proud. Today, as I reflect on the rough patches, I’m more determined than ever to stay the course, be strong and not let the naysayers and critics get me down. I can’t control everything around me, but I can control this. Writing keeps me grounded and I need it.
The poem I’ve included here is by Mother Teresa and it’s called “Do It Anyway.”
Good advice.
Do It Anyway
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.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
