Desiderata

[Guest guest]

This has long been my favorite ... I lost my copy long

ago. Today I received this from one of our silicone

sisters. Enjoy!

Desiderata

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 to 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 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 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 not this 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is

still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

THIS WAS FOUND IN ST. PAUL'S CHURCH IN BALTIMORE IN

1692, AURTHOR UNKNOWN