Desiderata
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 to the dull and 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
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 to the dull and 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
Or....
be a grump....
smiles....
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