Thursday, May 24, 2012

In The Changing Fortunes of Time


        Desiderata

        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.


        Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.




        Ah, so many changes, so much to say...



        With some calm and perseverance the puzzle pieces all fell into place. Deep breath out. Gratitude.

        I am still trying to get my head around all of these changes and am reeling from the logistics, but all I can do today is be grateful. More on what this all means soon, but know that I am feeling much better, excited even. Thank you all for your sweet words and well wishes!

        I hope you all are having a beautiful week! I promise more proper posts once the dust settles.

        Tara

10 comments:

Positively Amy said...

Hey Tara!

Hope things are working out well! So glad you're feeling excited about the changes! Sometimes change is hard, but for the best. We're dealing with some similar things right now and it's totally unsettling!

Mama Smith said...

Wishing you lots of peace and calm during the upheaval. Hope that all the change is for the best. Hugs, lilly

Rebecca said...

I like that poem! Thank you for sharing. :) Can't wait to hear about all your new changes once the dust settles. I'm glad you're feeling excited! That's always a good sign.

Positively Amy said...

Hi Tara! Hope things are going well! I'm having a giveaway on my blog--you should check it out!

Danielle said...

What a beautiful poem!.
I'm looking forward to more posts!

Annie said...

So glad you're feeling better :) This is such a great poem..truly words to live by.

Lea said...

Missing your posts!! Hope all is well on your side of the world!

Positively Amy said...

Tara! I miss you! Hope you're doing well with all you changes!!! : )

xox

Mama Smith said...

Hope that everything is going well in your neck of the woods this summer!

meandmr.com said...

Great post, I love it!
-meandmr.com