Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Desideratum

I've been feeling a little up and down about life just not knowing what direction to go. I kinda feel like reinventing myself, becoming the person I've wanted to be but never knew how. I would love to move away and just start all over where no one knows me, unfortunately can't do that with having kids with a person who wants to spend time with his kids. I guess that's really a good thing though. I was going through my bookshelf and found this book. I hadn't read it in a long time and felt inspired by what it said, so I thought I'd share.

Desideratum
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 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's 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.~ written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I love this post. I memorized a good portion of it when I was in 7th grade (along with just about every Edgar Allan Poe poem and The Highwayman and classic poetry....)I guess I was a nerd....or idealistic. When things are murky and I'm floundering about....reading and filling my head with thoughts, attitudes that are noble and inspiration make me head in that direction. Looks like you and me take a similar tact. Positive. Thanks for the excellent direction.:)Pam

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