I re read this prose/poem this morning and wanted to share it here. I hope you take two minutes to read through it as it is a lovely, enlightening piece. I wish you all a happy and peaceful day. Lots of love x
Desiderata
Desired Things.
Go placidly amidst 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 vexatious 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 shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
This is one of my favourite pieces of writing ever! I used to have it in a frame in my office, only reason it's "used to" is because I don't work any more :( But I have a folder with all my favourite writings in and this is in it. Thank you for reminding me of it, I hadn't thought about it for a long time. Have you read "wear sunscreen"? It's a similar, kind of, piece, and very moving yet funny at the same time. If you haven't read it you should look it up, I'm sure you will love it. At one time they said it was by Max Erhmann, but later said it was by a newspaper reporter. They assumed as it is in a similar vein to this piece he wrote that too.
ReplyDeleteAngela
http://british-bargains-and-beauty.blogspot.co.uk
will follow you on GFC, if you have chance to pop by my blog that would be lovely. I only started blogging two weeks ago, so very much a rookie :) x