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, 1952
