Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann
2 comments:
Since the day I first heard Desiderata (recited by my daughter's 6th grade class in the early 1970s), I've kept a copy posted close by, both at home and at work, to remind me how to live my best possible life. It's been so much a part of my life that I'll leave instructions asking that it be read at my funeral, because I can't think of better words of wisdom to pass along to those I love. Thanks for posting it here, Alison.
I hope your leg is much better and you're able to get out and around some now.
Life's been crazy lately and so I'm just catching up on my blog reading. Also? I was looking at all the people I knew in high school or some other ancient civilization to which I used to belong who are now on Facebook and trying to figure out where I made the left turn and got left behind and feeling, well, sorry for myself. Then I read this... *sigh* And it made me think of "If" by Rudyard Kipling, because I always think of the two of these together.
Thanks for that. I don't feel quite so sorry for myself now.
And, I hope your leg is finally better, too.
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