During times of strive and stress, I am often reminded of a verse by Kent Keith that I believe is grounding and purposeful. It’s called the Paradoxical Commandments, and it goes like this:
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
I think we are in a time of some of the greatest – and swiftest change in our history as human beings. It’s more important than ever to let kindness, empathy, and a sense of service guide us and connect us. Perhaps virtually for a little while – but guide us, nonetheless.
I am here for you and I’m thinking of you. If there’s something I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sending well wishes out to you all – stay safe, and well.
