In 1912 Christian Larson wrote about the beauty of self-discipline. A good life does not come from being lucky. It comes from cultivating optimism and living it. That was his statement. I like his original idea and added some personal notes that seem to better fit our time.
Promise Yourself:
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
– Well, mine is disturbed quite often. I see this as normal and know that stasis means death. I am not ashamed to be a mess.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
– Only when you can do this with sincerity and uprightness. But don’t be fake.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
– Add: everybody. We can learn something valuable from every person. No exception.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
– Life is not that easy. It tends to give us shit cakes… don’t be ashamed of your s-cakes.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
– At times, there IS lousy work to do. Do it with grace.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
– Praise your competitors. Be generous. There is enough for everyone, including you.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
– LEARN from the past, don’t ignore it! When you learn it was not in vain. If you don’t learn from it, it was in vain.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
– Well no. Please, don’t do this. Don’t lie to anyone. “Fake it till you make it” is the worst advice ever. Be real, not fake. But try to be a good person at all times.
To give so much time to improving 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 in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
– Nothing to add. Thank you, Sir!
Much love,
Anselma
p.s. The brilliant Scott Pool, Academy Director and Professor of Music out of Texas, USA, made a stunning recording of one of my Tango-Etudes. Watch this, it’s fabulous!
