Contributed by Robert at SingingTurkeys.com

DESIDERATA

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 own 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 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.
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.

Written by Max Ehrmann; © 1927