Desiderata

The inspirational poem "Desiderata" has always been a favorite of mine. It brings a calming peace to me whenever I read it.

When Galen and I were first married, (37 years ago) he brought home this poster of Desiderata and wanted to hang it in our bedroom at the bottom of the bed. He found inspiration in the poem as well as I did. ~ After many years, and all the moving we've done, the poster has long been gone and it is now just a memory.

Last week, my daugher, Jen, gave me a small copy of "Desiderata". She said it gave her a peacefulness whenever she read it, and thought I might like a copy. I smiled and told her the story of her Dad and the poster that he hung in our bedroom at the bottom of the bed many years ago.



After reading the copy again, I decided to frame it. I had an old wood picture/frame in the attic (it had a flower in the center), and I covered the flower with the copy of "Desiderata". I painted the copy to make it look antique. Then I used several coats of mod podge to seal it.

Voila! Finished.

I was happy with the results.








And guess where I hung it?




That's right......in our bedroom, at the bottom of the bed.

Desiderata

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 vexations 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 not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of herioism.

Be yourself. Especially do not fein 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.

Nuture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatique 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, 1927