What Does It Take To Be Happy?

[uk666]

What Does It Take To Be Happy?

Whether you are experiencing life as a parent, remembering times as a child, or if you're just a big child at heart, surely you can't fail to be moved by the following poem by Maria-Anne Pike: 

A LIFE IN YOUR HANDS

If a child lives with criticism 
*He learns to condemn* 

If a child lives with hostility 
*He learns how to fight* 

If a child lives with ridicule 
*He learns to be shy* 

If a child lives with shame 
*He learns to feel guilty* 

If a child lives with tolerance 
*He learns to be patient* 

If a child lives with encouragement 
*He learns to be confident* 

If a child lives with praise 
*He learns to appreciate*

If a child lives with fairness 
*He learns justice* 

If a child lives with security 
*He learns to have faith* 

If a child lives with approval 
*He learns to like himself* 

If a child lives with honesty 
*He learns to be truthful* 

If a child lives with lies and deceit 
*He too learns how to lie and deceive* 

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship 
*He learns to find love in the world*