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 prayer is said to have been found on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta, India, and are widely attributed to her. The words seem to be based on a composition entitled The Paradoxical Commandments, written by Dr. Kent Keith, with much of the second half re-written in a more spiritual way.
Regardless of authorship, the words are good and the principles, sound.