THE MIND AND THE BODY
I want my girls to understand thoroughly the close relation that exists between the mind and the body. With the body uncared for it does not seem as if the mind could be in good order. And surely, when one has bad thoughts and bad manners the body will cease to be beautiful. The best motto for you to take in regard to your body is "Be clean."
Many of us are unhappily handicapped from birth by ill-health. Then all that we can do is to try and keep as well as possible, and to determine that the weakness of the body shall not be reflected upon the mind. When "one's back is bad and one's legs are queer," then to make an effort to forget this and to fill the mind so full of cheerfulness that the looker-on will believe one beautiful is the greatest heroism. My dear girl, take care of yourself; try and keep well and cheerful. Few people die from overwork. Many lose their good looks from idleness and sulkiness. It is said that it is better to wear out than to rust out. Now, you and I are not anxious to do either in a hurry, but we will join hands and resolve that, being happy, healthy, and wise, we will make ourselves, physically and mentally, a joy to all those who love us, or whom we love.
