Promise yourself
To be so strong
that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
(But remember that a worried mind is not necessarily a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of being HUMAN.)
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.
(But never be afraid to share your struggles with people you trust. Pushing your deepest, darkest fears and insecurities into the pit of your stomach is isolation at its worst. We are all here to love and accept each other.)
To make all your friends feel
that there is something worthwhile in them.
(Because there absolutely is.)
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.
(But know that it’s human to feel scared/defeated/lonely sometimes.)
To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
(Did you try your best? Or close to your best? You deserve a round of applause. Be proud of your efforts.)
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
(Absolutely. Isn’t it amazing what people can do?!)
To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
(Maybe not forget, but FORGIVE. I forgive myself on a daily basis. On some days, hourly.)
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.
(You’re never fully dressed without a smile. But if your heart feels like it’s breaking wide open, it’s okay to be sad too. It’s also more than okay to talk to someone about it.)
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
(I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You are perfect just the way you are, so keep your chin up.)
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
(But we all have our “off” days. It’s okay. Dust yourself off. Tomorrow’s a brand new day.)
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
(The world hungers for great deeds.)
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
(FIST BUMP, MR. LARSON.)
-Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them
(With my thoughts in parentheses…)
image credit: martina furlong
Roberta
September 15, 2014 at 7:59 amHow funny that this spoke to you! It was Newport Montessoris Kindergarten class graduation performance last year! Full circle.
whoorl
September 15, 2014 at 1:41 pmNo way!! By the way, Wita misses you something fierce. She says she loves Oklahoma, but wants you here. :(
natalie
September 15, 2014 at 9:55 amThe world hungers for great deeds. Amen!