Believing in yourself
standing for what you believe in
regardless of the odds against you
and the pressure that tears at your resistance
means courage

Keeping a smile on your face
when inside you feel like dying
for the sake of supporting others
means strength

Stopping at nothing
and doing what in your heart
you know is right
means determination

Doing more than is expected
to make another's life a little more bearable
without uttering a single complaint
means compassion

Helping a friend in need
no matter the time or effort
to the best of your ability
means loyalty

Giving more than you have
and expecting nothing
but gratitude in return
means selflessness

Holding your head high
and being the best you know you can be
when life seems to fall apart at your feet
and facing each difficulty with
the confidence that time will bring
you better tomorrows
and never giving up
means believing in yourself...

--  by Mary Ellen Joseph