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 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 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 not this 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, 1927
You brought tears to my eyes, Janice. My late sister Judy, too, had this up somewhere in her house. When she passed, her kids put it onto a lovely bookmark, which they gave to folks at her funeral. Mine is hanging on my bulletin board above me in my office.
It’s such a beautiful sentiment. Thanks.
Oh Gods that be, bless my friend Elyse for her loving spirit and caring comments. Hugs, lovely woman
Thanks, my friend. Sending some back to you!
Likewise, Elyse
Wow, this is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing.
Delighted, Jen!
I loved Desiderata when I was a teenager! Brings back such great memories, or being young and naive and in love…
Of being young and naive and in love…not “or”
Missed it, that’s how good your booboos are, LOL
Sweetness, Sylvia
Sweet piece! I totally like it!
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed!
Smiles! Keep up the good work!
And right back at you, thank you!
Yes–it was an amazing piece that I listened to when I was a teenager…I can still hear it now in my head…Funny how these things bring back such memories of when we (I) was young. Wish we could go back to these times…wouldn’t life be simpler then?
Take care.
Sylvia
Oh, yes. Simpler. But then… I wouldn’t have connected with you and that would have been very sad
So glad for this technology I resisted until last year. Don’t know where I’d be without all of you who visit and all the wise sharing you do on your own pages. Sounds, smells, memories, all of it triggers us in some way. Thanks for visiting, Sylvia 
I have this set as the background on my laptop.
Wow. That is lovely, thank you for stopping in and sharing that, (smiling)
I’d forgotten this. Hadn’t seen it for years.
I wish I could remember to read it every single day, it’s so calming, like a mini mental vacation and grounding. Love it and always will, glad you like.
I’ve never actually read that all the way through. Thank you for sharing it. It’s beautiful.
It’s a classic, message so timeless. Glad you enjoyed