12/12/2020
seasons greatings
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 loudness and aggressiveness in persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be more or less capable 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 life here on earth.
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 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, the universe is unfolding as it will.
Therefore be at peace with imperfect consciousness and however you conceive deity to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life strive to keep peace within yourself and others.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952. Modified 2020 by Ted Downey
