Desiderata~

A long time ago, I ran across a..... poem?, saying?.... well I'll let you be the chooser on that.
Whatever you want to call it, is whatever it means to you. To me, it became a way of life.... although it took me many years to realize that. All I can say is that it takes time to learn and implement these words to really understand how they fit into your world... if they fit in at all.
To me, they make perfect sense.... and easier to deal with the world.

~~~"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and 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 acheivements 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 ideas; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

~~~Be yourself. Especially do not feign affecton. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perrennial as the grass.

~~~Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to sheild you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome dicipline, be gentle with yourself.

~~~You are a child of the universe, no less than the tress and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether is it 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 aspiratons, 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 careful. Strive to be happy."


~~~found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore: dated 1692