A personal favorite "Desiderata"
 

Most of you have probably read "Desiderata" before, but on the off chance that some of you have not enjoyed this lovely piece, I wanted to share it again. I have it hanging in my office and I refer to it often. It seems that there is a line or phrase in it that addresses every adversity or challenge I run into and it helps me to read it slowly.

Desiderata

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.

Thank you (((Kindeyes)))

I love this piece too. The last words, to me, define my life before and after recovery. The world is indeed a beautiful place.

I have it hanging in my office too! Its the only thing I have by my desk :)

Thanks Kindeyes,

I can remember the first time I ever read it, in a poster shop in 1970. I was 18 years old and I thought it was the most beautiful/wise thing I'd ever read.

I think I may have to get a copy for my wall.

Thanks for taking me back. :ghug3

Thanks and God bless us all,
Coyote

Like Coyote21, I too came across this in my very early adulthood (some 40 years ago). I was working my first bonefide (sp) job after high school, full time afternoons for the County in the Data Processing Department. Cannot tell you why I remember where I was working at the time. It might have been hanging there in that facility, I don't remember.

Anyway, it had a huge impact on me. I was not hanging with the best crowd, had no one in my family to help me grow into a good adulthood, and was just kind of drifting.

Yes, I think I'll find a copy of that and hang it up at home somewhere.

Thanks for putting this on.