Friday, August 8, 2008

Desiderata

I have been reading a lot lately trying to find my course in life now that my Mormon path lead to a dead-end. I'm still not sure exactly which trail I want/need to travel but I'm starting to enjoy the freedom found in marking my own way. About a month ago I came upon this poem that I had read before; in fact it was hanging in my mom’s home office for years. It is only now, at my current place in life that I can begin to understand the wisdom found in its words. I’ve started to read it each day and it is my hope that as time goes by, I will be able to emulate the ideas expressed in such eloquent terms.

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 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

6 comments:

  1. Excellent post. I enjoyed reading your blog
    http://baronsview.blogspot.com

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  2. that is beautiful thanks for sharing ... it is wonderful to be on this journey with you and our lil one! I have noticed a change in you!

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  3. I also enjoyed this post. One could never read that poem too many times. I also relate with the dead end of Mormonism and am not sure of what path I want to pursue spiritually. But every day is a new and exciting day for me and I feel "worthy" and special for the first time in my life. I know I have made the right decision. It has take almost a year and I am no longer bitter.
    I also like what you have posted on Mormon Coffee. Your bits of wisdom add so much there. I love that site. Take care and thanks for the effort that you put into your blog. I want you to know, as a stranger, I really do appreciate it.

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  4. My prayer is that the Lord of the harvest finds you, soy yo, and that you will not be content until he does.

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  5. K*tty
    Thanks for the words of encouragement. A few weeks ago I was ready to stop blogging but because of some experiences and people like you, I have decided to keep it going. It’s nice to know that people are reading and getting something useful out of it. Mormon Coffee has become my favorite place to go these days. They bring up some great topics that really make me think.

    Pops,
    Thanks for your prayers. I’m content with where I am currently in my journey but look toward the future and am sure there is more out there for me. I just want to take my time to make sure that I find what is right for me and that I am in the position mentally, physically and spiritually to give myself completely to it. Every day I learn more about life and what I want for myself. This poem has much of what I am looking for.

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  6. thank you son for sharing your spiritual journey with us -- we await your awakening as it unfolds! there is much heart in this posting -- keep on -- may God grab onto you and not let go!

    mom

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