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 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 and 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952
This poem says it all.
10 comments:
I've had it posted in my office for years. Beautiful.
Spencer
I love this. I had never seen it before. Thank you. ;) C. http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies
I love this poem too. Thank you for re-acquainting me with it today!
Be well,
Dawn
Sandi is this published in a book? I came back to read it and realized I would like to keep it by my bed...it is so wonderful and speaking deeply to my soul .....filled with anguish at present...Love, Courtenay
LOVE IT....
It is on the wall by my desk, I have had this plaque since I was about 7 and too young to understand it all.
xxoo
I've always found ths inspirational. Thanks for stopping by my journal, it's good to have found yours.
/:¬) Kath
Beautiful Poem, I adore it!
Thanks for sharing with all of us!
-Kim
http://journals.aol.com/kimberleyrose82/Justme/
I love this one as well Sandi. Lots to contemplate.
judi
I love that one. It's well worth reading over at least once a week.
Maryanne
this is my favorite poem....
followed by one by Williams Carlos Wiliams about pulms.
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