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Desiderata -
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A lot of time has passed since I first read Desiderata, and it still contains many nuggets of wisdom that I have yet to make part of my life. I still compare myself to others; I do not always enjoy my achievements; I try to be like others instead of just being myself; I want to be a (grown-up) boy with (grown-up) toys; I am often distressed by "dark imaginings"; I am neither disciplined nor am I gentle with myself and often I still feel something is going to go wrong, instead of realising that the universe is unfolding as it should.
Desiderata reminds me somewhat of the Proverbs of the Bible: so full of wisdom and truths that you cannot take it all in at once. Therefore I read it often and I find that different parts will affect me differently at different times. For example, I'm working on building a business at the moment and the part on business affairs is particularly important to me at the moment. At another time a few years back, I was struggling with depression and at that time, the "dark imaginings" part was more pertinent.
Whoever you are and whatever you do, Desiderata give you wisdoms and inspiration for living life to the full. It seems to want to urge you to soften the impact of life and to live in harmony with yourself and others. Whether you or I will achieve it - only time will tell.
The poem: Desiderata
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.
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