which does not mean at the centre.

Therefore, we are responsible for the esteem,

love and respect which we feel towards ourselves.

We are also responsible for any possible

improvement in our relationships.

This does not mean that we are responsible

for the whole relationship.

We have the responsibility or the pleasure of

our own blossoming and happiness.

Let us not count on others to take charge of us,

to take care of us and satisfy our needs,

appease or protect our fears.

Let us not expect answers from others.

Let us examine our questions,

extend our perceptions,

listen to our experiences and thus trust

the unpredictable that dwells in us.

Let us dare to assert our difference when

others attempt to define our identity...

through their own point of view.

Let us experiment and create real things

that carry us beyond what we believe.

We will not produce anything that we

cannot handle.

Let us take good care of ourselves, every day.

We are unique and extraordinary...

even if we have forgotten.

Let us live as if we were alone and relate

to others whenever it seems possible.

Let us see other people as gifts, and

even better, as gifts that enrich our lives.

The worst solitude is not to be alone,

but to be an awful friend to ourselves...

by being bored in our own company.

So, let us not hesitate any longer.

Let us be a good friend to ourselves.

Life will repay us a hundred fold.

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,

or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last ...

Do you run through each day on the fly,

When you ask, "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,

with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last ...

Ever told your child we'll do it tomorrow,

and in your haste not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die,

'cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last ...

When you run so fast to get somewhere,

you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

it's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race, so take it slower.

Hear the music before the song is over ...

It takes strength to be firm,

It takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to stand guard,

It takes courage to let down your guard.

It takes strength to conquer,

It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain,

It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in,

It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend's pain,

It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide your own pains,

It takes courage to show them.

It takes strength to endure abuse,

It takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone,

It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love,

It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive,

It takes courage to live.

"Courage Is Grace Under Pressure."

EVERYBODY KNOWS:


You can't be all things to all people.

You can't do all things at once.

You can't do all things equally well.

You can't do all things better than everyone else.

Your humanity is showing just like everyone else's.

SO:

You have to find out who you are, and be that.

You have to decide what comes first, and do that.

You have to discover your strengths, and use them.

You have to learn not to compete with others.

Because no one else is in the contest of

"being you".

THEN:


You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.

You will have learned how to set priorities

and make decisions.

You will have learned to live with your limitations.

You will have learned to give yourself the

respect that is due.

And you will be a most vital mortal.

That you are a once-in-history event.

That it's more than a right, it's your duty,

to be who you are.

That life is not a problem to solve,

but a gift to cherish.

And you will be able to stay one up