Some time back I conducted a session on Team Dynamics and used this poem while facilitating the session. Participants were supposed to reflect upon this poem and share instances from their work life when similar incidents happened. We did a ‘Forgiving Exercise’ after that. Some of the participants shared that the exercise helped them a lot. They were feeling stuck with the negative feelings of grudge and anger. Forgiving others is liberating and sets us free.
(‘Do it Anyway’ Poem was found written on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta. It was probably written by Keith Kent)
Do It Anyway
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.