To laugh often and much,
to win the respect of intelligent people
and affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends,
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch…
to know even one life
has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly
trying to make you something else
is the greatest accomplishment.