When Dennis and I got married, one of us (I think it was him) had a poster that we hung on the wall of our first apartment (…it was the ‘70’s). The poster was of a poem called “Desiderata.” I had forgotten about it until recently Dennis mentioned it, so I looked up the source and found that it was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann. By the way Desiderata means: “things to desire and seek.” It has great words for anytime, but especially for the New Year.
Here are excerpts from the piece:
•Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
•Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
•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.
•Therefore be at peace with God… 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.
Happy New Year everybody!
I just read “The All of It” by Jeannette Haien, so I especially appreciated
“listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.”
What a story the character of Enda had to tell! Since I’ve been doubly reminded of this I need to go out and find some ‘dull and ignorant’ friends!