We 'see' what we choose to focus on....

Bettyann

Bettyann

Senior Member
Location
Denver
This tried and true poem still reflects that it all depends upon what we choose to see...thank goodness. :)
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your 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 critical 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927
 

It's all about the perspective you choose isn't it Bettyann?

I realized that a couple years ago when one of my old horses was really sick and I thought I might have to have her euthanized. I felt so horrible and yes, grief stricken as I contemplated that possibility. Also a lot of guilt that I hadn't prevented her illness. But then one day, about two weeks into her illness, I suddenly realized that I could focus on her sickness every time I thought about her or I could focus on the joy and fun that we'd had together all these years. And I realized that looking at the joy instead wouldn't prevent treatment or possible healing.....

After that it was easier to just continue taking care of her day to day needs because I wasn't carrying around the burden of grief and guilt as well as the buckets of hot water and sodden armloads of pre-soaked hay and everything else that needed to be done. Who knows, maybe bringing that more 'joyful' attitude into the barn with me, helped her as she finally began to progress towards health again.
 
Great story, thanks for sharing it, Debby. :)
 

Bettyann, that is my philosophy of life. I have a copy of it on my fridge. I read it often. Mine is a longer version. It includes;

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant. They, too, have their stories. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations of the spirit.
 
I recieved the long version of the poem Desiderata when I was nineteen, and it brings me a lot of peace. Twenty years ago my granddaughter and I put the poem on my bedroom door, so I can boost my spirit at all times. When I started to disbelieve in all religions, that poem brought me solace. It seems to be a blessing to me. :wave:
 
Thanks for bringing that philosophy back into focus. I used to have a printed copy & think I'll print one out again. Things going on here that I really needed the reminder to chill out & that "the universe is unfolding as it should".
 
"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."

Now...if only ISIS could read and understand this simple truth. It seems to me the Christian world has done this.
 

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