It seems that there is a lot of turmoil in a lot of places and no end in sight. I have encountered ugliness and goodness at many times this week and have been trying to embrace the goodness. Sweet cards and notes from friends have really warmed my heart and that is what I am clinging to.
I kept thinking about the first line of this poem that I shared several years ago. It has been what I have thought of when I wake up every morning this week and I think that is why I felt like I needed to reshape it with my readers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
When I was in high school I dated one particular guy for a good portion of my four years. One of his gifts to me was a plaque with the following piece written in fancy lettering. That wall art is long gone but I can still see it and remember how much I loved it and how much I loved that he gave it to me.
Time marches on, relationships come and go, time changes things. But memories of gifts given that were the perfect gift at the perfect time are always remembered. Thanks, Doug, for the memory and flashback to 16 year old me today.
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.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
