Never Give Up Hope

Life doesn't always give us
   the joy we want.
We don't always get our hopes
   and dreams,
and we don't always get
   our own way.
But don'tgive up hope,
because you make a difference
one situation and one person
   at a time.

Look for the beauty around you -
in nature, in others, in yourself -
and believe in the love
of friends, family, and humankind.

You can find love in a smile
   or a helping hand,
in a thoughtful gesture
   or kind word.
It is all around, if you
   just look for it.  Give love,
for in giving it
you will find the power in life
along with the joy, happiness,
patience, and understanding.

Believe in the goodness of others
and remember  that anger
   and depression
can be countered by love and hope.

Even when you feel as though
there isn't a lot you can do
to change unhappiness or problems,
you can always do a little -
and little at a time
eventually make a big difference.

- Barbara cage