In closing about self-esteem, I would like to take this opportunity to share the poem that a reader had commented about. I felt it just as fitting as the commenter did. Desiderata (Latin for "desired things") is a prose poem by Max Ehrmann about attaining happiness in life. Please enjoy.Desiderta
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.
Max Ehrmann c.1920
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Wow, that pretty much says it all. I think I'm going to copy it and hang it on my wall. It says a lot and I think I need to read it several times and meditate on it. I can see that it could help in a lot of trouble areas that I have. Thanks so much for putting this in today's blog.
ReplyDeleteI bought a poster with this several years ago and hung it over the sink in lieu of a window. I read it whenever I was doing dishes to remind myself that I was probably doing better than I thought. It got me through some pretty tough times. I lost track of it when I moved. I probably need to look up another one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting this out here. I have never heard of it, but I like it. It's full of great advice and I think I can use it all. I've made some incredibly stupid choices in my life and I feel like this was written for me.
ReplyDelete