Desiderata

[jj]

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 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 critical 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann 1927


We have a hanging of this in our downstairs toilet that ever since i was a little girl i used to always read it, it was only until a few days ago that i really read it though and listened to it. Ive heard its quite a famous prose but thought i would share it anyway for anyone who doesnt know of it.

[4EverMe]

Hi JJ,
Thankyou for the time you sacrificed to type up that beautiful poem! I like it enough that I see no other choice but to jot it down soon! Wow. I am a poet myself and many people have told me that I should be creating a book of my poetry to publish. I'm VERY picky about my writing, wording, format and flow of each poem. Blushingly, I have to admit, I don't appreciate a lot of the poems Ive read by others! They seem amateur or...somehow lacking in substance. The poem you shared by said author is definately uplifting, enlightening, fueled with emotion and thoughtfulness, wisdom, love and truth. I LOVE IT! God bless you for bringing it to this forum JJ! It is so much appreciated!!