BE FREE

If you are quick to take offense,
then you will be under the control of those
who find you offensive.

If you are easily angered,
then your actions will be dictated by those
who anger you.

If you are obsessed by what other people think,
then you will be
imprisoned by their thoughts.

If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions,
then you'll fall prey to people
who offer you nothing but promises.

If you find the truth too difficult to bear,
then you will be enslaved to those
who tell you what you want to hear.

When you have the courage to think for yourself,
and the strength to accept what is,
and the commitment and discipline to make a difference...

Then you are free.
You are free to live with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

Let your life be defined, not by reactions to what others do, say,
or think but rather your own unique vision.

Raise your eyes above the pettiness and follow the path of the
greatness that is within you. Be free.

~ Naseeh Sharafudheen