When pleasure is obtained
the pain it takes to gain it is coined as treasure.
Such becomes greatly appreciated
and valued in full measure.

We value the teachers who made us work hard.
They are part of why we reached our potential.
These wouldn’t allow us to settle for less
by wasting our talent
over foolishness that’s trivial and simple.

We’re thankful for the parents who stayed in our ears.
They always made us do our homework.
Mom and Dad gave us spankings that incited tears
even though it caused them extreme hurt.

We’re thankful for the friends
who told us the truth about ourselves.
They refused to tickle our ears.
Never were things watered down for us
even if it meant not speakin’ for years.

Because of suchlike ones
we’re experiencing great success today.
Our lives are full of compliments and accolades
while other people are dealing with dismay.
          
We couldn’t see the light at first.
Our pride was all in the way,
but now happiness can’t evade us.
Thankfully, we were humble enough to listen.

If you have someone like that in your life,
don’t be so quick to take offense when they speak.
Recognize that it probably wasn’t easy to approach you.
Perhaps your attitude stinks!
          
That person may not be right about everything,
but when it comes down to it nobody is.
Take the good out of what was said to you.
We normally don’t look at ourselves objectively.