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.
This poem reminded me of the four agreements in Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom:
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best
Remember another person's reaction or response to you is more about them than about you! If you find yourself triggered by something someone else says or does, it is often something within you that is wanting to be healed. We are all just unconsciously trying to help each other heal and be made whole! What a gift in disguise!
What other disguised gifts have you discovered in your life?