Desiderata
I had never heard of Desiderata, until I met my dear friend Jamie. She shared this poem with me almost two years ago, and it is something that has definitely stuck with me.
This poem says so much about the world, and I truly believe that if everyone could take just one piece of it, and live it, they could experience a change unlike any other.
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 ignorant; they too have their story.
We live in an era of technology, telephones, computers, and noise. An era where everyone is in a rush to get somewhere, or nowhere. I know that I cherish my moments of complete silence, how often, and for how long can you sit in silence. Without talking, or looking at your phone or computer? When is the last time that you sat in silence, and thanked God, or the Universe, or whoever/whatever you believe in for your blessings, or making it home safely, or just making it through the day. How often do you quickly rush to anger before taking the time to listen to someone else’s point of view? What about your day could have been different, had you just taken the time to hear what someone had to say?
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.
I’m sad that we find it necessary to compare ourselves to others. Why are we so concerned with what others think about us? If we can look at ourselves in the mirror and know that we are good people, why must we beg for approval from others. Why do we feel sorry for ourselves when someone else has achieved something, we have not yet been able to rather than feel happy for them. And why are we so quick to look down upon someone else who may not have been able to achieve something we did?
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.
So many of us growing up were compared to other kids. Why couldn’t you be like that person? It’s a shame that so many of us feel that, just being us isn’t good enough. As we get older that theory gets deeper ingrained in our minds, which of course leads to low self-esteem and confidence issues, which we remember from school also leads to bullies. Be a good person, that makes you good enough.
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, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive God to be; and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
Regardless of whether or not you believe in God, and regardless of what religion you may or may not practice, we all have a purpose of being here. Often times we don’t know what that purpose is, but I believe that when you are ready, and when it’s time, you will know. With all of the hustle and bustle in life, we forget to take a moment to check our souls and find peace. If you can keep peace in your soul, your purpose will become clear.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~Max Ehrman
It’s so easy to think of all of the terrible things we see. It’s so easy to focus on all of the terrible things we are going through. But take a look around. Notice the sunrise on your way to work, or the sunset on your way home. Hear the birds singing in the trees, take a moment to smell the flowers. Life is so short. I truly don’t believe we were put here to rush through life only to die. We have to enjoy the ride. And our happiness…..that is up to us, no one else can make you happy.
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