Desiderata

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 the vexations to the spirit
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter:
for always there will be a greater
and lesser persons than yourself
Enjoy your achievements
as well as your plans

Keep interested in your own carrer,
however humble,
it is 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 perennial as the grass

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture the strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings,
Many fears are born of fatigue and lonliness.
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 peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be,
and whatever your labours 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.

- MAX EHRMANN