I am preparing for a Humanist Wedding ceremony this coming Saturday and as I started work this morning, a message came in from two of my colleagues who did a Wedding last weekend (no, not that one!) where Desiderata was one of the readings. I was reminded of how special it is.
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 vexatious 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 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
Our Nelly Moser Clematis has its first flower and something is eating the petals!
Nelly Moser
I was sitting enjoying the sunshine when I noticed this circular web and wondered what creature may be responsible.
Who made this very neat web in the wall?
saymber
May 21, 2018 at 11:18 pm
I have never read this before – some profound messages woven into it! Thank you for sharing it. How exciting to prepare for such a special occasion! Tis the season 🙂
mybeautfulthings
May 22, 2018 at 7:52 am
It certainly speaks to me and I am glad it resonated with you too. 🙂
nrhatch
May 21, 2018 at 8:26 pm
Desiderata is wonderful ~ I had it hanging on my wall in my teens.
mybeautfulthings
May 21, 2018 at 9:10 pm
It’s a pretty good formula for life. 🙂
Hils
May 21, 2018 at 8:20 pm
Found Desiderata in my early 20s at uni when it was very trendy. Seemed then like a pretty fair recipe for a good life. The next 45 years have confirmed that opinion 😊
mybeautfulthings
May 21, 2018 at 9:09 pm
I agree. I read it then too and had lost touch with it but not its sentiments. 🙂