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My New Year "Things Desired" - The Desiderata

dangerousdon

"I am Udderly Insufferable”
Veteran
Concierge Emeritus
My wife portends that for the Danger Family, odd number years hold great influence. Meaning she believes good things happen to us in odd number years. It is hard to argue with her when...no, literally it is hard to argue with her...she argues for a living. 🤪 But really, who am I to argue with a woman and her premonitions. So here I am, extending this good will to you, I present an affirmation of sorts.

Each year I post the poem "The Desiderata" in hopes that it speaks to someone. It speaks to me. And it gives me that reaffirming that this New Year will be better than the last. Desiderata in Latin literally means "Things Desired." "The Desiderata" was written by Max Ehrmann sometime in the 20s.

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 vexatious 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 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann

Happy New Year Cadre! I truly hope that 2023 is much better for all of us than 2022.
 
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