If we wake in the morning fully refreshed and eager to meet the new day, that's a good start.
If we can face the day without caffeine and enjoy a good breakfast, then we're doing pretty well.
If we can always be cheerful with those around us, ignoring our own minor aches and pains and disappointments, that's quite admirable.
If we can also resist complaining and boring people with our troubles, that's always nice.
If we can take pleasure in the small details, like the smell of the damp earth or the feel of the wind in our hair, then we're on the right track.
If we can give the best of ourselves to every task, no matter how small or insignificant, we're getting close.
If we can eat the same food everyday and be grateful to the one who prepares it for us, we're doing better than most.
If we can be patient and understanding when our loved ones are too busy to give us any time... And if we can overlook it when they take it out on us when something goes wrong, even if it's no fault of ours, that's exceptional.
If we can take criticism and blame without resentment, that's good. If we can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him, that's good too.
If we can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend, we're doing very well. And if we can face the world without lies and deceit, we're way ahead of the game.
If we can come when we're called, wait when we're asked to and still be ready to rise to a challenge, that's quite an accomplishment.
If we can conquer tension without medical help, relax without liquor and sleep without the aid of drugs, we're almost there.
And if we can say honestly that deep in our hearts we have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics, that really makes the grade.
If we can do all this with our lives, my friends, and still "fetch," "sit down" and "roll over" on cue, then we're just about even with our dogs.