Desiderata

    Go placidly amid the noise and haste...sounds wonderful, doesn't it? But, often, not as easy as we'd like for it to be. Most all of us find ourselves living in difficult times, especially financially. Many of us are fed up, we've had enough, we've lost our tolerance. Drastic measures are sometimes appropriate, but I caution you, never comprise your core beliefs, your core truth, never. You will regret this and when you are standing, after your action, after your angry intolerant release, who will you be?  I would like to post the poem "Desiderata"for your reading. Desiderata is Latin, meaning "Things to be Desired."  It may be helpful to remind ourselves and gently remind others, as much as possible, ways to keep our spirits lifted, our morals intact, and our hearts pure. This poem contains guiding advice for all of us during these difficult trials. I wish you calm and peaceful days ahead and a soaring spirit.

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.

- Max Ehrmann Copyright 1927