Categories
creative

Desiderata

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.

Categories
rant

Deeper…

Words have power. We all know that. I hope. But after reading a few posts the morning after the election, reading beyond here, I’m not sure.

Considering the results, comments and responses are telling and speak volumes whether anyone thinks they do or not. Some are blind to their own hypocrisy.

Be careful out there, you’re not doing yourself any favors by how you speak of another human being. I’ve kept my mouth shut about your President and those on the right. He and you may be the ones who need to dial back your rhetoric about those whose opinions are contrary to yours and realize that this is America land of the free and is a democracy, not an autocracy.

I see the world, rather I am attempting to see the world through the eyes of what some might call an inclusive compassionate warrior. A title I aspire too. Even when I see your hateful and demeaning language about another, I will protect you as I will them. But will ask, is it necessary? Does it make you feel better?

So how about we don’t call others names or diminish them on FB or any other forum. How about we give everyone the respect and credit we want for ourselves and those we align with ideologically. How about we listen to understand and we speak to join rather than divide. How about we insist ALL our “elected” officials do the same. How about we call each and every one of them out and tell them we don’t approve of the tone or the language period! Tell them to stop! All the way to the top!

Because from where I sit, the name calling, disrespect and finger pointing does not have us on a favorable path by any stretch.

I truly believe that we are in the divide we are today because of the behavior, the words and actions of the man the electrical college handed the most honorable and respected position in America. A man who falls short of both. And if you are going to give him a pass, morally, ethically, approve and adopt his tone and tenor, my questions for you run deep. Actually. Seriously, questions that should not have to be asked!

#NOTMYPRESIDENT