I will greet this day with love in my heart

i'd like to share this piece from my speech class. this is one of the most inspirational pieces i've read...

I will greet this day with love in my heart
by Og Mandino

I will greet this day with love in my heart

1. And how will I do this? I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet, I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet, I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet, I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet, I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.

2. And how will I speak? I will speak well of my enemies and they will become friends; I will encourage my friends and they will become brothers. I will dig for reasons to applaud, never will I scratch for excuses to gossip. When I am tempted to criticize, I will bite my tongue; when I am moved to praise, I will shout from the roofs.

3. And how will I act? I will love all manners of men, for each has qualities to be admired, even though they be hidden. With love I will tear down the wall of suspicion and hate that they have built around their hearts, and in its place I will build bridges, so that my love may enter their souls.

4. I will love the ambitious for they can inspire me; I will love the failures for they can teach me. I will love the kings for they are but human; I will love the meek for they are divine. I will love the rich for they are yet lonely; I will love the poor for they are so many. I will love the young for the faith they hold. I will love the ugly for their souls of peace.

5. And how will I confront each whom I meet? In only one way: In silence to myself I will address him and say: "I will love you." Though spoken in silence these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brows, bring smile to my lips, and echo in my voice.

6. And most of all, I will love myself. For when I do, I will zealously inspect all things which enter my body, my mind, my soul and my heart. Never will I overindulge the request of my flesh; rather, I will cherish my body with cleanliness and moderation. Never will I allow my mind to be attracted to evil and despair; rather, I will uplift it with the knowledge and wisdom of the ages. Never will I allow my soul to become complacent and satisfied; rather, I will feed it with meditation and prayer. Never will I allow my heart to become small and bitter; rather, I will share it and it will grow and warm the earth.

I will greet this day with love, and I will succeed!