The Meaning Of Life

I have a magnet on my fridge -- and I'm not one to have too much stuff all over my stainless...well, I've got some kid stuff, and the grocery list, but only one poem magnet, because it's a special poem to me, and the magnet was a gift from one of my best friends, after I sent her the poem during a rough time:

"To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."
-- Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson

I came across this in a book last year (LOVE YOU, MEAN IT by four 9/11 widows), as a chapter header, and I've read it before, but it is beautiful, and so perfect. No matter what happens, what we go through, it all comes down to the basics of living life, and enjoying it all the best you can, the good and the bad -- to leave the world a bit better...and that "healthy child" thing ain't no small feat!

Comments

[Sue Olson]

ME TOO! I have this magnet on the door of our garage so we see it every time we come home! It was given to me by a good friend when I was pg the first time! Desiderata by Max Ehrmann is also very powerful and soothing to the soul...google it and enjoy - especially now - with Thursday coming so soon! Peace.