Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Desiderata

Desiderata used to hang in our house growing up and it has always been one of my favorite writings of all time.  I've been looking for years for a pretty antiqued wooden plaque with these words or maybe a large tile.  Anyone know where I could find such a thing??  I wonder if one of those vinyl lettering places could put it on a wooden plaque or tile for me.
Here it is for anyone who hasn't read it:

Desiderata
By Max Ehrmann

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 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 it sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


1 comment:

Johnnie said...

Aubrey,
I know I have not been in touch but I just had to say I too love the Desiderata. I use to have a copy(just a plan one) and with all the moving I lost it...:( I am still hunting for an old antique copy...maybe someday. Congrats again on the baby. Hope the pregnancy is going good. Your little boys are going to adore her. Mine totally loves his little sister and she adores him as well. It truly is so great!