"We are all wanderers on this earth...our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." ~ Gypsy proverb

Monday, August 22, 2011

Quiet


Desiderata


"Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 ignorant; 
they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; 
they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others, 
you may become vain or 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 in your soul.

With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."

~ Max Ehrmann

dedicated to my father

who first read this to me
when I was just a girl

much love
xx oo


20 comments:

  1. This is so, so beautiful, MJ! Thank you for starting my week of perfectly. xoxo, LB.

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  2. I've read this before and had forgotten about it. Such beautiful and moving words! Thank you for reminding me, MJ.

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  3. this is a powerfull poem. and the picture is just so atmospherical...

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  4. This was my grandmother's very favourite. I read it for her one last time at her memorial service. This, I believe, will stand the test of time. : )

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  5. One of my absolute favorites. :)

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  6. silence oh sweet delicious silence... erm, yes, i get it. :)

    gorgeous photo MJ!

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  7. I absolutely love this MJ!! Thank you so much for sharing.

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  8. It's been so long since I read this. Thanks for posting this - I needed these words to enter my heart again.

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  9. Beautiful. Thanks you for posting.

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  10. it is still beautiful... yes, indeed. life is beautiful! i've never read this before. thanks for sharing.

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  11. lovely my friend...simply lovely

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  12. I need to learn your secret for finding the perfect, incredible, inspiring piece of literature and/or wisdom for each day. I love this. So much.

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  13. MJ, that's so beautiful. I had to read it twice to really take it in and the words are really something to remember.

    Thanks for your lovely comment, it really made me smile and I can (from your profile pic) just imagine you with a pair of great big boho-style earrings :-)

    Wishing you a lovely week, Love from (rainy) London xo

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  14. Awesome! Just an amazing set of directions for life!

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  15. oh, very nice. I've never read this one and it was quite beautiful. Perfect thoughts from a father to a daughter.

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  16. what weird ways these internet circles work.

    i used to have a printed copy of desiderata on my desk when i first moved out on my own.

    i haven't thought of it in years.

    and now reading it here, i realize just how much i need it right now.

    thank you!

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“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~ George Bernard Shaw