Not because my life has always been easy, but because it has sometimes been hard.
Not because I always get my way, but because I often don’t.
Not because I have everything I want, but because I don’t need everything.
Not because I have no fear, but because some things should frighten me.
Not because I think life is always fair, but because I don’t expect it to be.
Not because I never cry, but because I do.
Not because everyone likes me, but because I respect others.
Not because I always make the right decision, but because I always try.
Not because I have never been mean, but because I hated being it.
Not because I’ve never been angry, but because I’ve learned to temper it.
Not because I’ve never lost, but because I don’t always have to win.
Not because I understand everything, but because I’ve been misunderstood.
Not because I expect to always be right, but because I know I can be wrong.
Not because I’ve never been sad, but because I always find happiness.
Not because I’ve never fought, but because there are things worth fighting for.
Not because I’ve never hated, but because I’ve loved more.
Not because I am perfect, but because I am flawed.
Not because everyone thinks like me, but because I’m glad everyone has a different opinion.
I am truly thankful to live.
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Ann K. Howley is the award-winning author of Confessions of a Do-Gooder Gone Bad.
Please visit her website at http://annkhowley.com/#about-ann