Desiderata
My Mother first introduced me to this poem when I was in high school. I'm not sure she understood the effect it's words would have on one so young and impressionable, but it has had lasting effects. It sums up perfectly my view of the world, of what it means to live rightly, justly, honestly, and even joyfully. I love you mom. Thank you for trusting that even as a teen I might be able to grasp a deeper meaning through these words.
So to my girls, my husband, my friends, my family, and everyone else, please remember to:
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 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
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 labours 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.
-Max Ehrmann
So to my girls, my husband, my friends, my family, and everyone else, please remember to:
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 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
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 labours 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.
-Max Ehrmann
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