Desiderata

If you are not familiar with this prose/poem/prayer then you've been missing out on a lot. I was first introduced to this poem by my Gigi, my Dad's mom. She was one of the most amazing people you could ever meet, I could go on for hours but I'll end up in tears at work with my make up running down my face and you all might get bored so I'll keep it short and sweet.

My Gigi kept a copy of this in her bedroom to live by, I couldn't agree more with her. I used to have my own copy in college but I lost it somewhere along the way. I have been searching the internet for a nice poster, needlepoint etc, etc of it but haven't found anything I like yet. Until then I'm just going to print my word doc and hang it in our bedroom because these are words that everyone should live by everyday.

Enjoy!

Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann

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 the 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.

Do you have any poems, quotes, prayers, etc that you live by or recite to yourself everyday?