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Desiderata
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 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.
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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann
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The Serenity Prayer
God Grant Me...
One: The serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
By nature or nurture,
I am who I am.
A perfect example,
Of imperfect man.
I can't change who I am,
Yet why do I try,
To be someone I'm not,
And live out a lie?
If I try to change history,
To annul these regrets,
I find time's eternal,
It never forgets.
I can't change other people,
It's unfair, when I try,
Everyone shuns me,
They say that I lie.
I can't alter the planet,
Or bring back the dead.
So I really should stop now,
And focus instead
On picking my battles,
And doing my best,
To be a good person,
Despite all the rest.
Two: The courage to change the things I can.
So, life can't be changed,
Pray, what should I do?
To stay fair to myself,
Respectful and true.
Should I air harsh opinions,
Or flatly refuse,
To express selfish values,
And annul sinful views.
I endeavour to change,
Only every day,
An infuriating fear,
Carries virtues away.
With weary neurosis,
In anxious despair,
I yearn for a reason,
It sure is unfair.
Now, is everyone nervous
Of change in their lives?
Or wary of ruin
When burden arrives?
Hurray, I can change,
And free my dismay.
And all I may ask,
Is assured bravery
Three: The Wisdom to know the difference
Should I yearn to be older?
Should I try to be meek?
Should I yearn to be bolder,
Whenever I speak?
Should I be less resentful?
Would I be less like me?
Should I be less distrustful.
Of those that I see?
Should I try to be joyful?
Should I try to be droll?
Should I yearn to be playful,
And refrain from control?
Should I be less obsessive?
Would I be less in love?
Should I be less submissive?
Would my partner approve?
Should I yearn to be thankful,
For this life here on earth?
Or try to be hopeful,
That there is life after death?
Should I answer these questions,
That cause everyone strife?
Or ignore these frustrations,
And get on with life?
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