In 1927, Max Ehrmann wrote a poem about attaining happiness in life. It was controversial enough that it became the subject of a hoax in 1962, and was also turned into a spoken word essay that reached the Billboard charts in the early 70's by Les Crane. I don't really care about any of this. I just like the words and meaning. Some of them actually don't resonate, but most of them do. Ultimately, I think it just offers a pretty simple, positive message about life.
The title means "things that are desired." It urges people to see the beauty and troubles of the world through wise, hopeful and compassionate eyes. Sometimes, we all need to be reminded of that.
I do my best to see the glass half full. I am pretty decent at finding the positive in the negative. Sometimes, however, I need a little inspiration.
Life happens. We make choices. I think most of us do the best we can with those. Some of these choices cause us to agonize over them. Some come far easier. And at the end of the day, though some choices just need to be made to get through our everyday lives, we just try to make ones that will ultimately make us happy. And sometimes, those are hard to make in the moment.
My parents are married for fifty years this June. My dad skipped his college graduation to marry my mom. On the day of their wedding, they left the ceremony and departed for a cross-country road trip to California. Being in their early twenties and with very limited funds, they didn't care; they found it romantic. I've been teasing them because they are going to recreate that journey later early this summer. Of course, I am sure they will do a little more upscale than they did all those years ago. The point of the story? They have made choices through half a century together that have lead them to a wonderful, happy life together that allows them to be in a place to celebrate this milestone together. It's not been without challenge. Nothing in life is. But they stayed true to who they are, and their life together has worked for them. I have learned much by watching them.
So tonight, I read this again. Just needed a little inspiration.
desiderata - by max ehrmann
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 to 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 perennial as the grass.
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 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.
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