the desiderata

We talked a lot about literacy today in one of my classes, and it wasn't until I was sitting here, about to finish this post that I realized just how important reading is to my life. In class we talked about how we love to read books or magazines or blogs or Twitter, and how being literate enables us to be functional in society by reading signs, directions, etc.. But there's another aspect of literacy that is a huge part of my life that I never considered, and that is finding your identity through other people's writing. For me this usually takes shape in the form of quotes and song lyrics, and I've also found it in prayers or poetry as well. For as long as I can remember, I've been looking for quotes or lyrics that express what I'm thinking or feeling in a much different way than I could portray it. I think everyone does this to a certain extent - it sort of validates what we believe in, and is encouraging to see other people expressing the same thoughts in a different way.

All of that just to say what I originally intended to post today - the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. I'm not sure if you would call this a prayer or a poem or what, but I love it. It's one of my mom's favorite pieces of writing, and I know I've "read" it many times aroud my house before I sat down and actually read it. I've read it at different stages or important moments of my life, and gotten something new out of it each time. I reread again this weekend and remembered just how relevant it is. So I thought I'd share it with you :)

Let me know what your favorite part is!

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.