Ian

Ian

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Words to Live By

Dear Ian,

Normally this blog is all about you, the crazy things you do, and your journey to become an even bigger boy than you already are.  Every now and then, though, Mommy goes off the deep end and posts something that is neither milestone-ish or funny.  This is one of those posts...

Being a grown up has been hard lately.  From trying to manage the house, getting back into the groove of teaching at school and keeping you and Daddy fed, clothed and mentally stable to a myriad of other things, I am worn out!  But it's my job, and it's part and parcel of my being a good mommy, wife, employee and friend.

Back when I was in school and then later on when I was working, I had this poem taped inside a notebook or to a wall in my classroom or office.  It, along with a little prayer, kept me going when I felt like I needed a boost.  I know the last line really applies more to you, but it motivated and spoke to me.  Anyhoo, I hope that one day when you are older, you can read it and apply it to your life; it really is one of my favorite poems.

If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

Rudyard Kipling
All those words I wish for you, and more.  And I hope to help you get there, Baby Bear.  
Love you so much,
Mommy
 Just Click To Send A Vote For Us @ Top Mommy Blogs

No comments:

Post a Comment