Do It Anyway - Words of Wisdom

I know this is a trite aphorism, but I came across it today and I find the words still carry deep meaning for me. Particularly as they relate to the philosphy of R.W. Emerson in his classic essay Self-Reliance through which I have been working lately.  It is said that this poem was found at Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta. I don't know about that, but maybe these words will be a blessing to someone else out there.

ANYWAY

 People are often unreasonable, illogical 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 false friends and some true enemies;

succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous;

be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten tomorrow;

do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

it never was between you and them anyway.

(Engraved on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta, India)