Tuesday June 12, 2012 #427
“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.”
~Max Ehrmann
It is easy to get lost in the negative inputs coming from popular media, as well as from co-workers, friends and family. So many challenges out there – real and imagined. I argue, however, that there is far more beauty and wonder in the world than these negative inputs would imply and that it is our obligation to notice, be open to, have gratitude for, and most importantly share all the positives in the world.
In that spirit, I share with you this beautiful 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). Today’s quote and the full Desiderata were in that same spirit shared with me by JAMmer CJ. Enjoy…
Desiderata – by Max Ehrmann
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 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 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
If this impacted you positively, please do your friends and family the favor of sharing the Desiderata with them. As I always say, “Dare to be Contagious!”™