Wednesday, May 03, 2006

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 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 or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interest 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 not this 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 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 the 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. Andwhatever 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, 1927

25 comments:

Alcoholic Brain said...

Haven't seen this since my hippie days, beads and neru jackets. Very cool Dave. Keep coming back. I need guys like you.

Jack said...

I just wanted to say thanks for this.. I'll will come back often and refresh myself in it.

jake said...

Hello dAAve, looks like we're all still here again specially since we have not really gone anywhere....Love you man and believe you have alot to offer.....Thanx

Anonymous said...

eggam said

love Desiderata. this was displayed on a poster that hung on my bedroom wall in highschool and college. It just always rang true for me and brought some measure of comfort when things were not going my way. Had not read it for a long time (now 50 something), but still rings true. thanx for the reminder.

Krista said...

Thanks for checking me out and your words of advice. What I just read on your blog is really deep and beautiful. I know that each new sober day will bring different challenges but for some reason, I finally feel this strength and the want to stop. I totally hate drinking, said that a million times of course, but I've never been committed to stop before. The big book has been making such amazing sense to my crazy brain. Finally, someone understands me. I'm going to go to as many meetings as possible and really follow the steps to recovery. My god has always been there and now I'm going to actually talk to him and live each day in the best way that I can. All I know is that I'm not drinking today or tomorrow. I'm really interested in checking up on your blog and I appreciate the invite. I have recieved so much support from everyone on these blogs so far. Its incredible. I dont have any sober friends so this means a lot. Have an awesome night and congrats on another sober day.

Determined1 said...

Hi there, just checking out all these recovery blogs and came accross yours. I am with you on the drinking volumnius amounts of coffee and being a picies and also love one flew over the cuckoos nest although find it a bit depressing.

I have never come accross what you have in your post today,it's very inspiring. Another recovery blogge told me about the motivation speech of steve jobs at standford and I am sill flying high after that..!

KimPossible said...

That was well written and simply beautiful. That was great! Keep on writing, you are definitely talented. I will definitely be back to your blog. Can't wait to read your next piece.

Please keep in touch and come and visit my blogspot.

KimPossible

Gledwood said...

I love that saying...

reminds me of that Rudyard Kipling

"if you can keep your head when all about are losing theirs..."

do you know it!

best of luck with the sobriety

I crave it sometimes but I'm far better at IMmoderation...

hmmmm

;->...

Gledwood said...

bloody hell that guy Mickey has a LOT to say for himself doesn't he~?!?

Patricia Marie said...

Came over "via" Pam's blog. Like what you had to say here. I will drop by again.

Lisa Rivas said...

Just great! AAve for "2 flying birds"
I love your Avatar graphic, so, so so obsessive compulsive
I'm still laughing,
Thanks and best wishes L.

Anonymous said...

NICE Blog :)

Anonymous said...

I googled character defects and found your site. Like it! Am working on mine with my sponsor. Have my own list -sloth procrastination speeding etc. forcefulness overly controlling. Am co-dependent so harder to measure my days of success. Smile. God is good thanks for your good words... Gonna check your space again soon.

Wait. What? said...

I have never read this before, and I wish I had. Thanks for posting it. Cat

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Tammy said...

Hi there, I hope you don't mind. I have started following your blog and this tag thingy is going around. I am not usually one for these things but I thought it would be fun to get to know a few people from here.

The rules of being "tagged:"

· Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
· Post the rules on your blog.
· Write 6 random things about yourself.
· Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
· Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
· Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

JeremyRT said...

I love this, my Mom read it to me a few months back and it has stuck with me

Mike Golch said...

Great message,thank you.I hope that you do not mind I have added you to my Recover blog list.

Mike Golch said...

I have an award for you on my site,come and get it.

jeff said...

wow! i really enjoyed that writing. i would also like to borrow your toolbox if you don't mind. enjoy you too dAAve very much!

Marie said...

Cool - I posted this poem last month. Hope you can stop by and visit me sometime. I'll be back here to read more of your lists!
Many blessings,
Marie

Doug Tilley said...

Hello I’m Doug from San Diego Califorina. I checked out your profile on blogger.com and thought you might like my blog. It’s 12stepsmadesimple.blogspot.com​ I’m new at blogging and would like your opinion