Desiderata....this prose about "life" gets me every time...
 

{{The poem, Desiderata, came across my radar several years ago (and again the other day) ...and it's such a treasure (desiderata is Latin for "things to be desired", btw). This poet mentions God (toward the end), but he also says "whatever you conceive him to be" - so this really can be for anyone :), any belief. Mr. Ehrmann wrote this bc, quote "I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift -- a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods."}}

:hearts33: DESIDERATA :hearts33:
by Max Ehrmann, 1st copyright 1927 (controversy of poem's origin/authorship)

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 the 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 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 sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

I love this Ann..... it brings back such fond memories of my Father. I can still hear him say to me (during troubled times), "Jennifer, remember the Desiderata."

Thank you for the reminder, Ann.:)

I had never heard this. But it's very beautiful, soothing.... and perfect timing for me. There were some gentle reminders in there that I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing this Ann.

Oh wow, Jen, really? That's so neat :)! I had never, ever heard of the Desiderata before until about 5 years or so ago...? Someone read it out loud at a little meditation group I was at and I will never forget it (she had us all close our eyes, and she read it to us). I don't know what it is...but like Bonny said, there is something so *soothing* about it, or so centering about it. I just love it :).

I have never heard this. Love the messages as there are many. I am going to forward it to my daughters. Thanks for sharing.

I *heart* this! I used to have it hanging on my wall and lost it somehow. Now I can print it out again :)

Thanks Ann~

I love this poem. A great teacher at my sons school preached this poem to his students. The teacher passed away about 7 years ago in a car accident. This is how he encouraged his students to live their lives.