This poem, Desiderata, written in 1927 by the American writer Max Ehrman, has been a guiding light for many. It was discovered in an old St. Paul’s Church in Baltimore and has since resonated deeply with readers around the world. I keep it on the wall of my podcast set to remind me of what truly matters and to guide me through tough times. Let’s take a moment to reflect on its profound messages.
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.
Found in Old Saint Paul’s Church – Baltimore
Desiderata concludes with a powerful reminder: “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” Life, despite its imperfections, is inherently beautiful. Striving for happiness and maintaining a cheerful disposition can help us navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
Whenever I feel down or conflicted, I return to this poem for comfort and guidance. It helps realign my mindset and reinforces my resolve to continue my journey. I hope this reading has lifted your spirits and provided you with some solace. Remember, the universe is unfolding as it should, and our journey is here to teach us valuable lessons.
this is funny at 5 pm i feed beauty my mother cat inside can wet food when shes finish beauty goes outside thas routeteen but this time i open the door to let beauty in but this time king her son came in instead he jump into the can of wet food and some spell over unto the towel we have by the door i thought it was beauty i notice it was king i pick him up he went outside i got beauty in she eat the rest of the can, poor beauty back got wetfood on her i clean her she was ok mother cat got little mad at her son it was funny. everything was good. good night everyone love mary. all the excitment with king and beauty surprise that sunny susan bird didnt say nothing lol
good afternooon back yto the thrift store up the street from me bought more pocketbooks for my friends at better days auldt center they gave me money so aain on wednesday carry more pocketbooks geee wiz, just like the frist time my friends like the pocketbooks i have a good deal with the club and the thrift store together, after i give my friends the pocket books they whanted that was only 10 dollars i ask them if they like 5, dollars back i do that then i save the money i buy my amazon card. if there is a pocketbook left over i ask them if anyone whant a pocket book i ask for 5 dollars if no one whants it if my daughter whants it i gave the pocketbook to her or try to sale it. i cant beleve sunny my daughters bird i have to put music on for him to calm him down, yep he loves music. well my friends its a nice saturday afternoon iam home my shopping is done i might walk over to my friends on the thrid street to visit if they home. my trans, better days club iam still getting pick up at 8,30 am. when in the future they getting a new van or buss biger and they have to get another driver my time might change ill have to see, the y had 3 drivers but now they have only 2 drivers and one van broke down so its 2 vans, the woman jane that was 3 rd driver sadly she had to leave death in her family 3 or 4 in see
a roll passed away in a short time.see you later, GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS YOUR FRIEND MARY. hugs.