Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Peaceful Saturday






I've always loved this poem. A friend of my brother's sent me a postcard once a long time ago with this on it. Ever since then I've read it over and over and have even memorized it. Gives me peace when I'm out of my mind, which is quite often lately. So enjoy!





Desiderata
.......Max Ehrman

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 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.

(c) Max Ehrman 1926
(yes, Bee, I didn't do a grateful list today, so feel free to add one! Thanks! ;-)

8 comments:

Lizza said...

That is one of my favorite poems, too. It's so inspiring and...reassuring.

Happy weekend!

Anonymous said...

VERY NICE !!!

BikerbabeNJ said...

I needed that today.

Thanks Odat!

Anonymous said...

Aw, That was nice.

Are you sicky?

Later Y'all

thethinker said...

Beautiful poem.

Makes me feel much better.

Odat said...

Well I'm glad this makes y'all feel better..it does the same for me....I have even a better one tomorrow...stay tuned...hehe.
Peace

Pickled Olives said...

Thanks for the nice poem today.

Michael C said...

That was great. I'm definitely keeping it since a few of the line really spoke to me. Great, now I'm hering voices in my head ;-)
Have a great weekend.