Just one poem

In fifth grade, we had to memorize a poem.  I don't remember if this one was assigned to me or if everyone memorized it, but I must say, this poem spoke to my very soul.  I don't know all of it by heart now, but I remember enough and even today, 52 years later, it still says so much.
Each and every day, we make decisions on how to act, what to say, how we treat others and yes, we all make mistakes.  Some of mine haunt me still.  There are so many I wish I could re-do, take back, never experience.  But that is part of living, learning and forgiving.   I believe that forgiveness is the key. Forgive others and forgive yourself.
My mantra has been and always will be "whatever happens I want to be self-respecting and conscience-free".

Myself

by Edgar Guest 

I have to live with myself, and so,
I want to be fit for myself to know;
I want to be able as days go by,
Always to look myself straight in the eye;
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of man I really am;
I don't want to dress myself up in sham.
I want to deserve all men's respect;
But here in this struggle for fame and pelf,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to think as I come and go
That I'm for bluster and bluff and empty show.
I never can hide myself from me,
I see what others may never see,
I know what others may never know,
I never can fool myself -- and so,
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.