Desiderata

Go placidly amidst 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, for they too have their story
Avoid loud and aggressive persons for they are vexatious 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 career, however humble,
for it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time

Exercise caution in your business life for everywhere there is 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.

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.

Be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be
And whatever your labors and aspirations, 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.

-Max Ehrmann 1927


I was reminded through a friend's note on Facebook today that this was part of the speech I did not pay attention to given by a teacher I did not have at our 8th grade promotion ceremony. It is such a beautiful sentiment, and one that I wish I had heard every day of my life from the day I turned thirteen and my life spiraled out of control. This is something I plan on reading every time I think something isn't worth it.
I have a folded up copy of the Serenity Prayer in my wallet-it's actually a page out of my best friend's dad's memorial service program- and I'm surprised it hasn't fallen apart yet. Once I get my printer set up, I'll be printing this out and keeping it in my wallet with that page.
The Serenity Prayer...seems fitting for what happened yesterday.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.