Jim

Profile

Username:
hayduke
Name:
Jim
Location:
Lindstrom, MN
Birthday:
04/04
Status:
Married

Stats

Post Reads:
105,473
Posts:
402
Last Online:
> 30 days ago
View All »

My Friends

12 days ago
25 days ago
> 30 days ago
> 30 days ago
> 30 days ago
> 30 days ago
> 30 days ago
> 30 days ago

Subscribe

Cranky Swamp Yankee

Life & Events > Desiderata for Mellowdee
 

Desiderata for Mellowdee

Here is one of my favorite writings of all time.  It was written by a man named Max Ehrmann decades ago, but it still is every bit as relevant today.
It is posted in my office at work, and in my computer room at home.
The Latin word desiderata, loosely translated, means "things desired."
This post is for my friend, Mellowdee.  I promised her this a while back.
Enjoy it, kid!
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 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
 

posted on Apr 10, 2008 7:17 PM ()

Comments:

Thank you for posting this! What a beautiful poem.
comment by hopefields on Apr 15, 2008 3:44 AM ()
Great One..
comment by elfie33 on Apr 14, 2008 12:15 PM ()
Great post!
Have a safe trip south, my friend!
comment by marta on Apr 13, 2008 9:53 PM ()
An evergreen, thanks for the reminder.
comment by bumpedoff on Apr 11, 2008 2:35 PM ()
You know you have my vote!
comment by teacherwoman on Apr 11, 2008 1:54 PM ()
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful poem. I think that is one of the nicest I have ever read with so much wisdom imparted with every line. I just got some new magnets for my cube here at work, so think I'll have to put one of them to good use and post that up.
comment by mellowdee on Apr 11, 2008 1:11 PM ()
Great poem with a message for us all.
comment by redimpala on Apr 11, 2008 10:35 AM ()
wow... very nice!
comment by kristilyn3 on Apr 11, 2008 8:13 AM ()
Thank you for sharing this. It is truly uplifting and beautiful.
comment by angiedw on Apr 11, 2008 2:40 AM ()
Excellent and outstanding advice!! Wonderful words of wisdom... Now if we could just remember to follow them... each and every day. (I think I need to copy it and put it on my desk.)
comment by sunlight on Apr 10, 2008 10:44 PM ()

Comment on this article   


402 articles found   [ Previous Article ]  [ Next Article ]  [ First ]  [ Last ]