This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jellaludin Rumi,

By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

       Black as the pit from pole to pole,

 I thank whatever gods may be

       For my unconquerable soul.

 In the fell clutch of circumstance

       I have not winced nor cried aloud.

 Under the bludgeonings of chance

       My head is bloody, but unbowed.

 Beyond this place of wrath and tears

       Looms but the Horror of the shade,

 And yet the menace of the years

       Finds and shall find me unafraid.

 It matters not how strait the gate,

       How charged with punishments the scroll,

 I am the master of my fate,

       I am the captain of my soul.