Desiderata

Ronni

Well-known Member
Location
Nashville TN
This has been my most favorite thing since I discovered it in my 20’s. And it soothes my soul now, in this time of threat and uncertainty.

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.

By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Original text
 

What soothes my soul aside from Desiderata is the theme song for the movie, Alfie. After prayer, I sing myself to sleep with it. The lyrics of this song is timeless, one of the best, if not the best, written by Hal David with beautiful music done by genius Burt Bacharach.
 
Desiderata is my favorite, too - as I posted elsewhere here (favorite poetry, perhaps?). I have it on a plaque that has hung in my homes for many, many decades... When I am tired and/or frustrated, it is comforting. When I'm fine, it is just words of wisdom that have guided my outlook and my interactions with others. (My other favorite is Invictus by William Ernest Henley - I memorized it as a young child and would recite it to medical people during inoculations when I was a child - it's about courage!)
 
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