“Life Is”

An inspirational poem by Mother Theresa, humanitarian

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

 Life is an Adventure.

Years ago I came across this quote at the funeral of my friend’s beloved father.  He was a great entertainer, and this was one of his favorite poems.  Turns out it was his wife’s too, as the poem was again in the memorial at her funeral.  I’ve held onto his funeral program to this day.

At one point I researched the origin of the poem, not knowing then who authored it.  The poem is most often attributed to Mother Teresa.  Further research gives information that she didn’t write it herself, but was so fond of the poem she repeated it often.  If I ever had the chance to meet with her (a la that imaginary quest of “if you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be), I would spend my time discussing her view on life.

The line, “Life is an adventure, dare it.” inspires me. It reminds me to take chances.  To make those choices with no regrets.  To dare myself to move out of my comfort zone.  I don’t often read the entire poem, but when I do, I am filled with purpose to keep on going out there and live.

What poem or quote inspires you?

Here are 44 adventure quotes besides the one from this poem, if you want further ideas. Do you have a favorite poem, quote or saying that inspires you?  Share, and inspire us too!  Maybe it will make it into a follow up blog of inspirational quotes.