This was shared with me when I first began teaching in Kansas City.  My second graders would recite it every morning to start their day.  They spoke from their heart and with much feeling.  I can still hear them.  I found it not long ago, buried among my teaching treasures. 

Good stuff.

Pretty much the secrets of a successful and happy life…

A is for always accepting the challenges in my life.
B is for believing in my dreams.
C is for character, that special quality that defines who I am.
D is for determination, never giving up.
E is for excellence, striving to always do something better.
F is for faith, the power of my spirit.
G is for goodness and purity in my heart.
H is for helping; those who have much, give much.
I is for inspiration that will guide my way.
J is for justice that everyone deserves.
K is for kindness that everyone needs.
L is for love; only when I love me can I love others.
M is for magnificent, the breath of life.
N is for never letting others lower my self-esteem.
O is for outstanding work, effort, and dedication.
P is for persistence as life tests my character.
Q is for questioning everything in order to learn something.
R is for responsibility; always doing my best.
S is for strength, to weather the storms of life.
T is for tenacity; if I don’t quit, I can’t fail.
U is for unyielding commitment to achieve my dreams.
V is for vision; to see past the problems to the possibilities.
W is for wonderful, are the opportunities everywhere.
X is for extraordinary; the person inside of me.
Y is for Yes I can learn, Yes I can try, Yes I can succeed!
Z is for zooming in on my dreams by applying effort and maintaining my faith.