Timeless Words

Hey, hey, hey… it’s great to have you back. I hope you have been able to utilise and benefit from last weeks “Thought for the Day”. Thank you to everyone who has written and expressed how much you have taken from those words. It’s great to get such awesome feedback.

This week I would like to share some words that mean a great deal to me. I was introduced to this passage during a “mellow” and introspective time during my teenage years.

It is an amazing thing how words can traverse time and be relevant “centuries” later.

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 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 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 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 whole 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all it’s sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Found in Old Saint Paul’s Church,

Baltimore;

dated 1692

One of the interesting things about this passage is the fact it has been touted to be hundreds of years old. In fact it was written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s — not “Found in Old St. Paul’s Church in 1692”.

Either way, what a wonderful way to live. Both 300 years ago… and today.

Live your Ultimate Life, and enjoy it.