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Desiderata
(something desired as essential)
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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
the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the
spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or
bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than
yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your 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 imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees
and the stars
and 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, 1927. © Robert L. Bell
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