PROMISE YOURSELF

To be so strong that nothing can disturb
your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to
every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel like there is
something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too
strong for fear, and too happy to permit the
presence of trouble.

from: The Optimist International

In my grade school years, there is this one poem that my teacher made us memorize. I still remember some part of that poem (though not its title) and it made me appreciative of the things around me.

This is how I remember it...

I KNOW A PLACE
WHERE NO ONE EVER GOES
THERE'S PEACE AND QUIET
BEAUTY AND REPOSE
IT'S HIDDEN IN THE VALLEY
BESIDE THE MOUNTAIN STREAM
AND LYING THERE BESIDE THE STREAM
I FIND THAT I CAN DREAM
ONLY OF THINGS
OF BEAUTY TO THE EYES
SNOW-PEAKED MOUNTAIN
TOW'RING TO THE SKIES
NOW, I KNOW THAT GOD MADE THIS WORLD FOR ME.

I CAN IMAGINE
MYSELF AS IN A DREAM
CLIMBING THAT MOUNTAIN
AND DOWN THAT SMALL RAVINE
THE MAGIC OF THIS PEACE AND QUIET
EVER SHALL STAY
TO MAKE THIS PLACE A HEAVEN
EACH AND EVERY DAY
OH, HOW I WISH
I NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE
AND ALL MY LIFE
SUCH BEAUTY TO RECEIVE
NOW, I KNOW THAT GOD MADE THIS WORLD FOR ME.

I ordered some pizza and while waiting, I came to write this poem for my son, Joshua Miguel or "JM" for short as he celebrate his 12th birthday...

It was while I'm driving when
HE planted this idea on my mind.
That in my quite time alone (even while driving)
HE whispers to me...
And stirred my very soul.