Promise Yourself

Be glad, because you are here. You are here in a beautiful world; and all that is beautiful may be found in this world .

– Christian D. Larson, Just Be Glad

I came across this great poem on Goodreads. It is a good read indeed, with loads of learning. Though it is a century-old poem, each line is relevant and could guide us in all walks of life.

It is written by Christian D Larson (1866– 1955), who was an American New Thought leader and teacher, as well as a prolific author of Metaphysical and New Thought book. I have read a book by him, Just Be Glad. Simplicity, clarity, and repetition of instructions are the specialty of that book. The audio version is available on YouTube, and I make it a point to listen whenever I need an additional positive push.

So, the author’s name attracted me to this poem. After reading these lines, I could not stop myself from sharing them with you.

Here is the poem for you to read and ponder over it:

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you. 

Christian D. Larson