[Stitcher]

This may not receive any Reply, but I hadn't read it in a long time. I stitched it years ago, and the other day friends were reading it from where it hangs on the wall in my living room...wanted to share it.

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 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.

[dorrie]

Hi Carolyn! I do know it! We read it on occasion at my 12 step meetings. It is lovely! Thanks

[EmptyNest68]

Carolyn, I love this! Never read it before, but will print it out and share with others. Thanks!
Steph

[mamafigure]

I discovered this many years ago. Thanks for dusting off a priceless treasure.

[lindylanka]

The school I attended, a boarding school deep in the english countryside, used this for it's annual leaver's service, and it was delivered by the headmaster in our little chapel, always a very moving occasion, even for the older students who were leaving to go to university. For me Desidirata is especially poignant as I left early, aged 14, in the year that my mother died, with the knowledge that not only was I leaving my school, friends, teachers, but England, and my home, to go half way around the world to be with family I barely knew. It was a truly unknown threshold I was crossing, and these words gave me some firm ground and the courage I needed. The year was 1963. Thank you Carolyn for bringing them here in their entirety, with all their richness and wisdom.

Lindy

[pegleg]

Carolyn

what a beautiful piece! I especially believe this statement:

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Can you give us an update on how you are doing after your surgery?

Peg

[Stitcher]

Peg, I am doing quite well, except for the transportation part. My three-month eval is September 17th.

As Dottie already posted, we both, along with other Philadelphia trial participants, received a call from our principle investigator today, Dr. Stern, about adverse effects in other study centers. One wasn't even directly relevant to the trial...two months post op. Dr. Stern asked me today if I have seen any changes in my PD. I told him "some", but that I would wait until Sept and see what the blinded rater scored me at before I would further comment.

Hope to see you in person soon!

Thanks for those who replied. Glad you enjoyed my Off Topic post.

Lindy, what is a "leaver's service"?