Promise Yourself

Denice Moffat

14 years ago

Promise Yourself. . .

Promise yourself to be so strong
that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best,
to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic
about the success of others
as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future,
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large to worry,
too noble for anger,
too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

During my first year in veterinary school I was fortunate enough to become anatomy lab partners with a wonderful woman by the name of Dorre Rheaume.

Times were tough and my husband at that time (now ex-husband) was very non supportive. I had three jobs in addition to a full-time class load. Needless to say it hurt my grade point severely, so I had to retake some classes.

My husband had moved to a live/work in a different town and I needed the emotional support he could never give me, so I asked Dorre to be my roommate. She would tell me when classes were changed around so I wouldn’t miss the classes from the second year while retaking those from the first year. She would sometimes help me study and try to include me in the activities of my original class so I would not feel so all alone. She also influenced my then very dulled spirituality with her strong Christian beliefs. I never dreamed life could be so difficult.

Christmas break came and she and two other classmates decided to head south together. I never saw her again. She and another classmate were killed in a car accident on her way down south when they hit a patch of black ice and crashed. Her boyfriend was driving the car. He survived. It was a very difficult time for him and for me as they had just gotten engaged prior to taking the trip and it was his first ever love.

Her parents came to pick up her things and asked me if there was anything of hers I would like to keep. She had this poem posted on our refrigerator. It epitomized the essence of her personality and it will always be dear to my heart. When I read it, I feel her with me. I know she helped me get through vet school. She will be missed.

Helpful Links & References for Promise Yourself:

Optimist International: https://www.optimist.org/
Other Positive Resources can be perused in the Coaching Corner: https://naturalhealthtechniques.com/coaching-corner-home-page/

Books that Promise Yourself has been printed in:

A Guide for Parents of Missionaries, Including Messages of Inspiration & Encouragement (Page 203) by Raymond E. Beckham © 2006
Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny (Page 473) by Anthony Robbins © 1992