"Do It Anyway" by Mother Teresa
This poem encourages kindness, honesty, and perseverance even when the world seems unfair. Read it and find strength to do what’s right anyway.
Do It Anyway
by Kent M. Keith
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.
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Notes on the Poem 'Do It Anyway'
The poem "Do It Anyway" is often attributed to Mother Teresa, but it was actually written by Kent M. Keith. It's a part of a longer piece called "The Paradoxical Commandments," which Keith wrote in 1968. The version that's often associated with Mother Teresa was found written on the wall in her home for children in Kolkata, India.
In reflecting on the profound simplicity of "Do It Anyway," we are reminded that our actions echo beyond the immediate reactions they provoke. It urges us to act with kindness, honesty, and courage even when faced with indifference or opposition. Does this resonate with you?
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