Sharing one of my favorite poems for you to enjoy – I never tire of reading it…….
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 others,
even to 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 labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann
Lovely words! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beautiful…food for the soul! Felt strengthened on reading it! Thanks! 🙂
Really good.Simple truths of life.Thanks, Corinne.
Really good, Corinne.Simple truths of life.Brought across very effectively.
Do visit here to pick up a something I have for you :)For you Corinne 🙂
A timely inspiration too!
that was just beautiful.. truly inspirational.. n very very thought provoking.. 🙂
This is probably one of my top 10 favorite poems. I read it first when I was about 14 and never forgot it. Thanks for sharing.Mel
Hi, just wondering if Max Ehrmann lived during the late 1800s/early 1900s how this could have been found in the 1600s in a church?
Hi Anon – I guess you’re referring to a comment by one of my readers. Here’s a link that might help to clear any confusion you have – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DesiderataAlso, would so appreciate if you used your name – I do so hate anonymous comments!Corinne