Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what Peace there is 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 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 persons lesser or greater than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career,however humble,it is a real possesion 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 it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of 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, do not doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you concieve her 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. So be Cheerful and strive to be Happy. Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann 1927
If I were Mayor, I'd make the world a better place by
"If I were the Queen of the World,
I'll tell ya what I'd do, I'd throw away the bars and the cars and all wars,And make sweet love to you!"
(with apologies to 3 Dog Nite's Jeremiah Bullfrog for the misquote)
What/who changed my life and why
none in particular, all in general,
OBSERVING,ABSORBING,LEARNING, is a fact of my life