Today is my 67th birthday. I was born around 10:00 pm on August 14, 1950. By 1950 standards, I was a large baby, weighing in at 8 pounds 14 ounces. As the years pass and my birthdays approach I get more and more reflective.
This year, I’ve had a lot to think about. The saber rattling with North Korea and the incident in Charlottesville VA over the weekend are depressing to me.
When I get depressed, I turn to one piece of advice I received a long time ago — The Optimist Creed. When I was a sophomore in high school, I participated in the Optimist International oratory contest. The topic that year was “Optimism, Youth’s Greatest Asset.” I won my section and place third overall.
For my efforts, I received a plaque of The Optimist Creed. I have kept that plaque all of these years. It sits right above my desk. I read it every day — sometimes more than once when I start to get down. On my birthday, I’m giving you the wisdom in The Optimist Creed…
The Optimist Creed
Promise yourself…
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To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
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To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
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To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
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To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
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To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
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To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
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To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
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To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
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To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you ave no time to criticize others.
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To be too large for worry, too mobile for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Words to live by — especially when you get down.
Happy Birthday Mr Bud Bilanich????
Sincerely,
Ema