memories are made of this
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 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.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
8 Comments:
A favourite...beautiful every time I read it.
Do you know, that is the first time I have read that? Of course I had heard of it, but for some reason never actually I've never seen it until now! I'm going to copy it, and print it out. Words to live by...
Thank you.
Beautiful...thank you for posting it, and also for your constant encouragement..your a sweetheart! xo
Be gentle with yourself.
Those words have saved me many of times!
I really like that poem, I have seen it over the years but have never really taken time to read it until now. Thanks for sharing it.
What a memory. I agreed with you so much that I have blogged about it at The Trad Pad with a link to you Ms Robyn.
Ms Robyn....I too love to be reminded of that. IN the UK we had the seventies version with telly savalas aka - the cop with the looly in his mouth...ooh forgot his name!!! anyway he had a rich deep voice perfect for this. I also have a little card with this printed on it...thanks for reminding us to go placidly - I could do a lot of that.
I love this one too... I think it sums up life beautifully....
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