If you can maintain your composure and dignity, when
those around you are losing theirs...

If you can hold steadfast to the truth, and can speak it
softly and clearly, while others are attempting to
distort or pervert it...

If you can see the good and the not so good, in yourself,
in others, in life, and keep perspective...

If you can align yourself with right association, and detach
from wrong association...

If you can embrace that which is life-enhancing, and let go
of that which is life-defeating...

If you can transform adversity and difficulties, into
challenges and opportunities...

If you can nurture self-control, self-restraint, self-discipline
and introspection...

If you can strive to do and be the best you can, and make a
difference, great or small, in another's life...

If you can stand up for what you believe in and value, keep
your heart and thoughts pure, and cultivate a moral
code and exemplify it in your life...

If you can find meaning and purpose in your life, and
maintain your will to live when those around you are
saying otherwise...

Then know - your finest moment is yet to come.
And the world; because of you, is a better place.

        Timothy E. Stevenson November 22, 1997 ©
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