Dear all,
We are taking a break from the Monday and Tuesday’s series but will come back in full force with the new year, in January. Do send me your suggestions for both until then.
I have something for you though, something to inspire us when we make our plans and establish our goals for the New Year and when we look back upon the past year.
Life’s Desiderata, written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s.
It’s a lovely poem that I have posted before, but stumbled upon a couple of days ago and felt that makes due for an encore. Here it is:
Life’s 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 vexatious 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 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
May you all be merry, joyous and blessed this holiday season! Most of all, I hope you all find and feel what you most need and desire.
Then, make someone else happy. Give something away, talk to a stranger, smile first, walk in a place where you haven’t before, try something new, sit with yourself and give thanks for all the things that are going well in your life right now!
Isn’t that what the universal spirit of Christmas is all about?
Most of all, fill your heart with happiness, joy and love!
Roxi
