Wednesday, October 21, 2009




I came across this beautiful poem on Shannon Fricke's blog a while ago and thought this was so appropriate for me to start my blog.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann


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 person.
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,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit too 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.

5 comments:

  1. Love the sentiment and outlook. If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all. Keep up the great work.
    Your biggest fan,
    K.

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  2. this is just delightful!!
    Love it.. congrats on your new blog!!

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  3. I love this poem. I have a beautiful book with great pictures along with this poem. Congrats on your new blog.

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  4. I love this poem, it is glued on the inside cover of my journal and I read it frequently to remind myself about the important things as well as to remember not to take myself, or life too seriously.

    Visiting from the fishbowl. Congrats on your bloggy adventure!

    Fondly,
    pink and green mama
    MaryLea

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  5. Thank you for reminding me of these beautiful words...
    sx

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