It is lack of love for ourselves that inhibits our compassion toward others. If we make friends with ourselves, then there is no obstacle to opening our hearts and minds to others. True friends are the ones who never leave your heart, even if they leave your life for awhile. Even after years apart, you pick up with them right where you left off, and even if they die they're never dead in your heart. Amazing, isn't it, how some see the basket half empty and others see it half full? Some see life hopeless, some hopeful. Even when things are less than perfect, if you can think of the good, the beautiful, the hopeful, you'll be more than sustained, you'll conquer. Whatever is true... whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely... think about such things... put them into practice, and the God of Peace will be with you. To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart. Love is a lot like dancing-you just surrender to the music. Love is one of the hardest words to say and one of the easiest to hear. Associate with the noblest people you can find; read the best books; live with the mighty. But learn to be happy alone. Rely upon your energies, and so do not wait for, or depend on other people. Everyone has their own special gift. In some it is speech, in some, silence. The world has need of small perfections as well as great achievements. I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity an obligation; every possession a duty. Accustomed to the veneer of noise, to the shibboleths of promotion, public relations, and market research, society is suspicious of those who value silence. | 
