Go placidly amid the noise & haste, & 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 &
clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have
their story. * Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to
the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become
vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & 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 & 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 & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle
with yourself. * You are a child of the universe, no less than the
trees & 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 & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life
keep peace with your soul. * With all its sham, drudgery, and
broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be
happy. **
--Desiderata