Is there a creed, a set of disciplines or a quote or phrase you try to adhere to? Something that sums up your view on life? Since my early teens, for me it's been Desiderata. I have recited it in my darkest and loneliest hours, absorbed its truth over the years, adapted parts to better serve changing beliefs. I've had the final line, 'strive to be happy', as the final line in my email for several years. I first discovered it as a much requested song on a Saturday morning radio show. Immediately fell in love with it and the spirit of it. I'm more accustomed to 'be careful' over 'be cheerful' but am fine with both sentiments. In Canada, I finally found a poster of Desiderata and was delighted to discover that it had been written and displayed in an abbey in the 1600s (according to my poster). Over the years and thanks to Wikipedia today, I now know that Max Ehrmann wrote it in 1927 and published it in a book of his poems in 1948. No matter. The words are still prophetic and comforting. If ever I feel out of place in the world, I recite: "I am a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars, I have a right to be here." You too. Strive to be happy. 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 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.
1 Comment
Linda F
5/5/2018 01:38:47 pm
I remember the parchment style posters of this and several other quotes. The one that hung on my bedroom wall in the 70's was by Henry David Thoreau. "Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away." Think I got that one right!
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AuthorWelcome! I'm Sue Blott: a writer of all things, a poet at heart, mom, wife, daughter, step-mom, grandma, tea drinker, tai chi-er, mystic, artist, dreamer...and now a blogger! This is my world. Categories |