A Prayer
Max Ehrmann
Let me do my work each day; and if the darkened hours of despair
overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me
in the desolation of other times.
May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over
the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of a quiet
river, when a light glowed within me, and I promised my early God
to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years.
Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded
moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit.
Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be
such as shall keep me friendly with myself.
Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the
stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my
path.
Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep ever
burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.
And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within
sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for
life, and for time’s olden memories that are good and sweet; and
may the evening’s twilight find me gentle still.
friends
Longevity Tips ~ Friends
Make Friends
Here’s another reason to be grateful for your friends. They might help you live longer. Dozens of studies show a clear link between strong social ties and a longer life. So make the time to keep in touch. Source
Wellness Tip ~ Connect, Connect, Connect
a\A strong group of confidants is a health booster — no medication required. “Having a reliable support system goes a long way to decrease stress in our lives, and less stress means that we are happier and healthier overall. . . . Those stressful, drama-filled relationships (you know the ones) can end up working against you and hurt your health, well-being, especially if you turn to unhealthy habits like junk-food binges or drugs and alcohol to cope. [Watch out] your friends bad habits might rub off on you. So mom was right: Choose your friends wisely.
Source
Wellness Tip
4 Wellness Tips
- Learn ways to say “no” when something occurs that you do not want to do or be involved with.
- Have fun (go on a trip with someone you love, go shopping, go fishing; do not let vacation time slip away).
- Let yourself be pleased with your achievements, both big and small (develop contentment).
- Have a network of friends; those with strong social support systems lead healthier lives. SOURCE
Wellness Tip
Feel Good About Yourself Today
Be sure the people around you make you feel good about you — no matter what your size or health condition. In addition, if close friends encourage you to smoke, overeat, or drink too much, find some new friends who have good health habits and also want a healthier you.
Source
A Song for New Year’s Eve ~ Poem by William Cullen Bryant
A Song For New Year’s Eve
Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay—
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay, One little hour, and then away.The year, whose hopes were high and strong,
Has now no hopes to wake; Yet one hour more of jest and song For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay, One mirthful hour, and then away.
The kindly year, his liberal hands
Have lavished all his store. And shall we turn from where he stands, Because he gives no more?
Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.
William Cullen Bryant
Living a Meaning-filled life – Today’s Quote
“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.” – John Burroughs
“The Wise” Poem by Buddha
The Wise
If you see a wise person who shows you your faults,
who shows what is to be avoided,
follow that wise person
as you would one who reveals hidden treasures;
you will be better not worse for following that one.
Let one admonish; let one teach; let one forbid the wrong;
and one will be loved by the good and hated by the bad.
Do not have wrong-doers for friends;
do not have despicable people for friends;
have virtuous people for friends;
have for friends the best people.
Today’s Quote on Choices
Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.
W. Clement Stone
Courage My Friends, Courage ~ Poem by Phan Thanh gian
Courage My Friends, Courage
by Phan Thanh gian
My friends, have faith and courage!
Their walls may be nine metres thick and twice as tall,
But your pure heart will overcome them effortlessly.
My compatriots, go forth and seek the truth.
As their arrows may descend upon you like the autumn rain,
But count on pervasive justice to shield you from harm
My dear brothers, be strong and persevere…
Their ruthless ruse may wreak momentary violent destruction
But your peace loving soul will be forever remembered
