INSPIRING THOUGHTS

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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 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

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 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 tress 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

 

(Found in Old Saint Paul’s Church, Baltimore; Dated 1692)