27 Jun Susan’s Sound Advice #587
Desiderata has and always will be my “go to” inspiration whenever I feel down and out. I never realized that Max Ehrmann’s work and this work in particular was largely unknown while he was living. The poem only gained popularity in 1965 when it was found next to Adlai Stevenson’s deathbed and was later re-published as a spoken word recording. Some people may not “feel” it, but for me, this simple message is even more prevalent during these tumultuous times. This may be a long post, but I want to go through the gist of Desiderata:
“GO PLACIDLY AMIDST 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
Telling each other our stories helps us empathize with each other. We live in a time where it seems that only the loud and negative people are heard. But, the tide is shifting. Social media is allowing everyone’s story to come out. Listening and reading about the lives of others, both good and bad, makes us more sympathetic and more comfortable in our own skin.
AVOID LOUD AND AGGRESSIVE PERSONS, THEY ARE VEXATIONS TO THE SPIRIT. ,
In other words, DO NOT allow access to those whose message is solely to spread fear and hatred. It’s enough! Turn off the depressing news, Let go of those who treat you badly. Be deaf to the naysayers.
IF YOU COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS, YOU MAY BECOME VAIN OR BITTER, FOR ALWAYS THERE WILL BE GREATER AND LESSER PERSONS THAN YOURSELF.
When I was a teenager, this was the passage I read over and over. This reminded me of the value of being myself. There is no one else like us. We are all unique and all special in our own way. Never put anyone on a pedestal, for you never know what they are going through. It is all smoke and mirrors. Love and honor yourself as the masterpiece that you are.
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.
I adore what I do. I may not have found a cure for cancer, but I am passionate about helping people. As I said on many occasions, there is no job that is not important. From the street sweeper to the bus driver, to the garage attendant, to the mom or dad that stays home raising their family……every one of these people are achieving their purpose.
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.
Indeed, we must pay attention to the grifters and the charlatans because they are everywhere. But, not to the point where we become cynical and pessimistic. There is so much quiet heroism among us. I know so many people who do so much good, They work in soup kitchens on the weekends, they donate to charities. I have seen people pay for others when they don’t have enough money. Yes, there are many selfish, deceitful and dishonest people, but I remind myself every day that there is still so much good in the world.
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.
Never change who you are to please another person. If they don’t want you, let it be. Always believe in true love because it’s all around us…in our family, in our true friends, and in nature. Love begins within……
TAKE KINDLY TO 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.
Now that I am in my later years, I realize that all those dark imaginings never happened. Yes, I have been through my share of obstacles, obstacles that blindsided me, but…I survived each and every one!. . Fear and worry has no value. It doesn’t stop the losses or the changes. It just takes more wind out of our sails. . When I think about fear, I think about how Dorothy and her friends were so afraid of the scary Wizard of Oz. His voice boomed, and he seemed so ominous! But in reality, he was just a little man behind a curtain.
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.
You are here for a reason. You have value. You may not be perfect, but neither s a diamond. . That does not make that diamond worthless. Cherish yourself and stop beating yourself up.
AND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS CLEAR TO YOU, NO DOUBT THE UNIVERSE IS UNFOLDING AS IT SHOULD.
Let it be…. let it go……everything happens for a reason, and one day you will see it clearly.
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.
Stay grateful, stay at peace……
WITH ALL ITS SHAM, DRUDGERY, AND BROKEN DREAMS, IT IS STILL A BEAUTIFUL WORLD. BE CHEERFUL. STRIVE TO BE HAPPY.
No words needed……. . Happiness is a choice…. Make that choice today.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann…copyright 1952
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