Today I\u00b4m sharing another text that I kept for many years on my bedroom wall, this time in my parents\u00b4 house. Thanks Luc\u00eda for reminding me how beautiful and inspiring it is, almost a century after being published:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, \nand remember what peace there may be in silence. \nAs far as possible, without surrender, \nbe on good terms with all persons.\nSpeak your truth quietly and clearly; \nand listen to others, \neven to the dull and the ignorant; \nthey too have their story.\nAvoid loud and aggressive persons; \nthey are vexatious to the spirit. \nIf you compare yourself with others, \nyou may become vain or bitter, \nfor always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.\nEnjoy your achievements as well as your plans. \nKeep interested in your own career, \nhowever humble; \nit is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.\nExercise caution in your business affairs, \nfor the world is full of trickery. \nBut let this not blind you to what virtue there is; \nmany persons strive for high ideals, \nand everywhere life is full of heroism.\nBe yourself. Especially do not feign affection.<\/em>\nNeither be cynical about love; \nfor in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, \nit is as perennial as the grass.\nTake kindly the counsel of the years, \ngracefully surrendering the things of youth.\nNurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. \nBut do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. \nMany fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.<\/em>\nBeyond a wholesome discipline, \nbe gentle with yourself. \nYou are a child of the universe, \nno less than the trees and the stars; \nyou have a right to be here.\nAnd whether or not it is clear to you,<\/em>\nsino doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. \nTherefore be at peace with God, \nwhatever you conceive Him to be.<\/em>\nAnd whatever your labors and aspirations, \nin the noisy confusion of life, \nkeep peace in your soul. \nWith all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, \nit is still a beautiful world. \nBe cheerful. \nStrive to be happy.<\/em><\/pre>\n\n\n\nDesiderata, by Max Ehrmann \u00a9 1927<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"