Good morning all. I ran across this some years ago while drying out in a rehab hospital and rediscovered it while going through some records. I hope you may find it as inspiring as I have and do. Enjoy your day!...Tim
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 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 posession 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 lonliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the univese,
no less than the trees and stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe if 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 pace with your soul.
With all its sham and drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy
"Desiderata"
Max Ehrmann
-- Edited by timverton at 02:40, 2006-10-27
__________________
"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
Thank you so much, Tim. I havent read this in so long. It is one of the more beautiful and ageless writings ever done, and it is so true. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could somehow find a way to apply it constantly in our interaction with ourselves and the world? To be able to always know that each and every one of us is "a child of the universe".love chris
__________________
"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
Thanks for a beautiful post. I was at my first AA convention a little while ago and that was read out. You have reminded me how great it felt to be at the convention and of all the wonderful people that I met there. Thank you for that.
Take care,
Carol
__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Wow, I used to have a copy of this, framed, and really loved it. Thank you for the Post. Think I will copy and frame it again, a wonderful reminder, day to day.