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There could be many meanings of Rudyard Kipling's If poem. Depending on the reader's perception, this poem could take on several different meanings. However, it does give a great basis for contemplating one's own meaning of life's difficulties and one's outlook on life.

For myself, as I analyze this poem and what it means to me, I can gain a sense of life's challenges and how one can overcome the doubting Thomas' or those who cannot take responsibility for their own actions. My contribution is how I interpret this poem and what it means to me.

Several of life's challenges can be construed from the first eight lines. People who are unable to accept responsibility for their actions or inactions will shirk their responsibility on the matter and blame someone else for their misgivings. The poem stresses the importance of accepting one's own responsibility for the choices made; not to play the blame game. Look within yourself for the answers and do not allow others to push you down or make you feel small and unworthy of life's good things.

The poem stresses the importance of being true to yourself and when the doubting Thomas' try to break you down by doubting your abilities don't let those doubts keep you from achieving your goals. However, take note of those who doubt you. Consider their doubts and make improvements to yourself or life as you know it to counteract those doubts. Learn to be humble and don't become a braggart.

Dare to dream, but do not allow that dream to control your every waking moment. Embrace the dream as your own, but do not trample others to achieve that dream. Be triumphant when your dreams are fulfilled, but do not become a martyr. When disasters occur in life, learn from them; do not ignore the disasters or triumphs in your life as they both have different effects on life as you know it. Both can destroy and both can give life. How you interpret that is your choice and how you choose to live will not only affect you, but will affect anything and everything that is near and dear to you.

Learn to speak the truth and take responsibility for your actions or inactions that may cause an upset in your life. Do not place blame where it doesn't belong. You make your own choices and placing the blame on others only exacerbates the problem. You cannot learn from bad choices if you constantly blame others for your misgivings. When life throws you curves from the side lines, steer around those curves, embrace them as a learning tool, and do not lose sight

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