Desired Things

If you know me even a little bit, you will know that I am not "literary". I have never liked English, writing, or reading or anything to do with them.  How ironic, that now I am a reading teacher! Of all things literary, poetry was always my least favorite. I never could understand why people couldn't just say what they wanted and get to the point. I do however, have many friends that are literary and have shared some very insightful poems with me. And I have come a long way and have grown to appreciate reading, writing and even poetry to an extent. Below is one of my favorite poems. It was presented to me  during some difficult times and now when I encounter adversity during my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I reference this poem to keep me grounded, stay positive, keep focused and to remind myself that the choice to be happy is mine.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann c. 1920

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 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 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,

It is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. 
Strive to be happy.