Desiderata

I used to know this by heart... been on my mind again now that life is a bit challenging, and I do find it comforting.

Desiderata
Max Ehrmann

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.

Re: Desiderata

That's beautiful, thank you for sharing!

Re: Desiderata

Makes me think of the 60's, long Laura Ashley dresses and brimmed straw hats

'Peace and love' man....

Re: Desiderata

I think that I prefer this one.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhCFR03kx98

And trust me on the sunscreen.

Re: Desiderata

It certainly does! Actually when it first came out it was said to be from some ancient scripture or similar but was subsequently found to be a fraud and written in modern times.

Re: Desiderata

Oh gosh Meg, my Grand daughter who will be 20 on Monday but to me she is five,always wore Laura Ashley dresses and coats,I still look at them or I did whenever I saw an Ashley shop.Is it me or were the days and things much nicer then!Nowadays everything is in your face people are noisy and rude, whatever happened to manners.

Re: Desiderata

Lovely poem Annie.

Re: Desiderata

I have always loved Desiderata. Thank you for putting it on here.

Re: Desiderata

yes this is good and true too.

Re: Desiderata

Annie I have had some lovely clothes from Laura Ashley's shops over the years I don't think they have been the same since her tragic early death in 1985 .