C'est La Vie

We are struck down on every side, drowning in our emotions and shame, growing faint in heart and beat down...C'est la vie.

Whenever I'm brought to this point, it makes me wonder if it's worth pursuing and whatever happened to my self-worth. The ebb and flow of the constant emotional tide we all feel at times weighs heavy on my shoulders today. I grow tired of feeling the same pain, burdens, and sadness. Does it ever feel like you're trying harder than you ought to, but everything only causes a slight dent in the situation? 

There's a poem the internet claims originated from Mother Teresa, titled "Do It Anyway." It's carries a powerful message. The overall idea is clear: do your best regardless of people's responses. I love that.

Do It Anyway by Mother Teresa 

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.

There's a similar passage in the Bible where Paul addresses the church of Colossians. He writes in verse 22:

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Anyway, I realize that every step of a journey people will critique, disapprove, suggest, and much more. But, somewhere along the way people will appreciate, compliment, encourage the things you do. It'll lift your heart! But know that it'll be only a moment before another disapproval comes your way. So live for your own purpose, belief, vision, and don't let other's views of your life lead you astray. We can't live to please everyone - because then, you may have pleased some, but you wouldn't have pleased yourself.

"If you live off a man's compliments, you'll die from his criticism."