Do Good Anyway

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of being selfish with ulterior motives; be kind anyway!” — Dr. Kent M. Keith

For the first time ever, my daughter Tayla will not be home to celebrate Christmas with my wife and me. She’s currently studying in Australia. We will catch up with her in January when we attend the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis match. As I reflect on the many holidays we’ve shared in past years, I appreciate and fully

understand the importance of family and how your relatives shape you to become the person you are destined to be. Even when times are tough, it’s your foundation that determines who you are, and how you handle situations. There are moments from my youth that helped to define the person I am today. Some experiences I vowed never to repeat; others became cherished memories. Most of all, I learned to appreciate what I have.

“A happy man is one who wants what he has.” — Vikrant Parsai. Wow! When I read those nine words they really hit home. The holiday season drives this message home even harder. We live in a society that gives us unlimited choices for everything we want in life, but do we really feel happier and more fulfilled? Do we ever take the time to stop and say “thank you?” We already have more than we need. Is life about stuff or about experiences? Without gratitude, happiness is rare. With gratitude, the odds for happiness increase dramatically. So during this time of love, joy, peace, and family, take the time to list all the things you are most grateful for. I am sure you will be amazed at how long the list is.

I would like to share one of my favorite poems with you. These are wonderful words to live by, especially as we prepare for the year ahead:

Anyway by Dr. Kent M. Keith rephrased by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of being selfish with 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, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget 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 was never between you and them anyway.

The original poem was first published in 1968 in Dr. Keith’s book titled, The Silent Revolution, Dynamic Leadership in the Student Council.

Thank you for a fantastic year of growth, learning and success. We are so excited about the journey that awaits us next year.

Ralph