January 17, 2009

Anyway

At times when the world is changing people get jumpy, scared, nervous. It is natural and normal. A new President is coming in. The economy has everyone talking and some worrying.

I do not fear what will come because there is no point to fear. It will not stop what will come and it may just get in the way of me being able to respond, response-able, if you will. In thinking about that and the interesting things people do when they become fearful of their future I remembered a poem by Mother Teresa.

It brings me peace and brings me perspective on the human condition. It helps me to forgive those who lash out in fear with their words or actions. It gives me the energy to keep taking risks, keep trusting new humans, and to keep going.

Just thought I would share.
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Anyway
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

Mother Teresa


3 comments:

  1. I love this! I guess another way of saying it is - follow your heart and trust that the choices you make which come from an open, loving place in you, will lead to good things happening around you. So simple but so hard to do. Negativity and pessimism eat away at one's soul. Stand strong and remain true to yourself.

    Humm! I don't usually speak of such things - we live in a different era - but the aging hippie comes out anyway :)

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  2. Thanks for sharing! I know these as the "paradoxical commandments". Kent M. Keith wrote a book called "Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World".
    Because of the limited space in the bus, I don't have room to carry many books. This is one that I made sure to bring with me. Have a really great day! ~Rachelle :-D

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  3. Hello Szarka! Lovely post.
    I have awarded you the Lemonade award for your blog because it shows an attitude of gratitude, uplifting and has good content. Pick it up at:
    http://wireblissmei.blogspot.com
    Mei

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