I woke up this morning with the first sentence of Desiderata clearly in my mind.
Today of all days here in the USA …
“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 Desiderata
This couldn’t be better Val – I’m going to try and find a recording of this. Appropriate for POTUS and for all of us, anywhere anytime – thank you.
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So glad you enjoyed it Susan. 💕
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I was gifted with a framed copy of this from my husband when we were college students. It still works, in so many ways. “what peace there may be in silence”
Great choice for today, Val. ☺
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You are a child of the universe Van 💕
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Excellent! The perfect post for today. Thank you, Val. ❤
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Thanks Jill 💛 Glad you enjoyed it!
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Desiderata was one of my father’s favourites. He had it posted in his office at home — thanks so much for the lovely memory – and may today be the beginning of fresh starts and possibility for everyone!
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Such a heart warming comment Louise. Thank you 💕
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My favorite:
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.
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You are indeed a child of the universe Nancy 💛
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What an interesting first line to wake to … love the idea of waking to first lines or, indeed, any line.
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Its interesting how I often away to inspiring words, Jean. I have no idea how that comes about! Perhaps I donny best thinking in my sleep! It makes for a good day ahead though 😊
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Thank you for posting this, Val! I haven’t read it in its entirety to my knowledge, but the mind forgets much of what it has read before. What beautiful words for this day of all days where so much depends on the right things happening for the common good.
I love your blog and regret I don’t always get to read and comment, and thank you for your service. ❤️🌞 Sunny
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Thank you Sunny for your kind words and thoughtfulness. May common sense and the common good prevail 💕
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Yes. It is still a beautiful world. Thanks for sharing this Val. ❤
Diana xo
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Even on the toughest days.. yes it it Diana 💕
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One of my all time favorites, thank you.
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For me as well Lorrie! Glad you appreciated it today 💛
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How synchronous that this should come today of all days when a therapeutic visit to the haunts of my misremembered past has enabled me to leave behind those things of my youth no longer needed. So, thank you Val. It is true there is nothing like the sound of silence to set me right, preferably in the midst of a wood or just in the quiet of the space we call our monastery garden. Love, David
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May the stillness heal and replenish you David. So glad you enjoyed this post today. xo
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Amen!
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Indeed Barbara! xo
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A lovely post for election day!
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Thank you Fiona. 💛
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This is good stuff Val! ❤
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May this goodness nourish you today Julie 💕
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It is a beautiful world Val 💚
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Yep 😍
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Wow. Did I need this post today! Thank you, Val. Taking a deep breath ❤
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Me too Diana! I’ve re-read it and turned off the tv. May dreams come true and sanity prevail tonight 💛
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I noticed your post this morning, and was glad to see it. Perfect for today.
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I’m reading it again MK! Glad you enjoyed it 💛
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Amen. ❤
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Perfect words for this post-election time!
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So true Ann. Thank you 💛
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Beautiful post Val ❤
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That was perfect. Thank you.
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So glad you enjoyed it Marlene 💛
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Much needed words right now❤️
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I feel the same Reena. Thank you 🙏
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those words of wisdom are always a good read
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There are indeed Elizabeth. Soothing for the sou! Thank for stopping by 💛
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