I saw part of a poem, Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, mentioned on THIS POST by Valerie over at LIFE IS A PATCHWORK QUILT.
Finding the words a beautiful mantra by which to live I thought I'd post the poem in its entirety.
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.
14 comments:
Thank you for sharing this with us! A very thought provoking read.
Very nice. The Title of your post Strive to be Happy reminds me of the song Stand up from Jessie J. Beautiful song. :)
Poems are something i always adore. And this one is really such a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing this :)
A truly motivational poem on how we can remain happy... The secret to happiness is to be content with whatever one has...
Have a wonderful month Tracy:)
I've always liked the "Desiderata" and have a poster of it I got years ago when I was in college. Thanks for sharing it here with us again.
Wonderful, thank you so much :D
I remember this poem! Yes, it is a good reminder.
This is beautiful, a wonderful reminder of what's most important. Have a lovely weekend, Petty.
I have loved this forever!! Isn't it so awesome?
Beautiful poem, excellent usage of the concept.
Thanks for "paying it forward" by sharing this poem with more people that might not have seen it on my blog. I still think about it often.
This is so inspirational, thank you for sharing it!
I like the bit about 'Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit'....
I love the Desiderata ... and enjoyed Valerie's post on it too. Though as I told her, my version said it came from an old church. It was not credited to Max Ehrman. Weird, huh?
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