Desiderata (Things to Be Desired)

One of my favorite writings, and some current musings it brings up for me... reminders about the way I want to live my life...

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

When I allow myself a return to the silence I remember what it is to be peaceful, to 'go with the flow', and the align myself with the energy of the universe... don't get caught up with it all, go within.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

No grudge bearing, no sniping and gossipping, so holding on to old wounds and old weapons. Without sacrificing who I am and what I need I will do my best to treat people well, with respect and kindness.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Shallow brooks are noisy, so run deep. I try to remember that I don't have to hit people over the head with truths that are my own in order to be understood. It is me that needs to understand, me that needs to have heart in what I believe. When working at being on good terms with all persons I have had the chance to listen to some I would say are dull and ignorant, and sometimes they teach the bigger lessons.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

Peolpe who are unable to see the beauty in everyday life and in others around them are no longer invited to sit at my campfire... there is something incredible everywhere I look, and I want that to be surrounded by those who help me to see it...
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Though I might have a higher education and be priviledged in the kind of life I live, I see people all around me who have more, do better, have survived worse and come through better. I'm in this life for me, and just for me, that's what I'm learning is important. "You'd worry less what other people thought of you if you knew how seldom they did," one of my favorite quotes.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

I am working on finding enjoyment in finishing something, achieving something, and not just getting lost in the scramble down the next path. I am all about the journey, but sometimes I forget entirely about the destination... take some time to look around and appreciate what's been accomplished before moving on...
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

As much as I know that I'm supposed to keep telling myself "I am not what I do, I am more than what I do", 'what I do' is an important part of who I am. Much of my self-confidence comes from being successful and respected in my work. My success at work depends on being able to maintain my interest in the job. I am interested in what I do when I feel challenged and excited by the work I'm doing. It's important me to find challenge in what I do.

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.

Thank god there is so much virtue in the world around me, or I might actually lose my mind. I never lose sight that there are heroes everywhere in my life. I see them every day at work, the patients, their families and loved ones, the people who come to work every day to work with a population as challenging as those with brain injuries... the world may be full of trickery, and it's not the 'best plan' to run headlong unawares into new situations, but I see the world to generally be a good place.

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.

Do not feign affection... so maybe that means be true to what you really think and how you really feel. Be honest, be real, be you. Don't give up on love, it is all around in so many forms if you only allow yourself to be open to it. This is not the easiest on the list, but it is surely something I desire to be/do.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Listen to your mom, she knows what she's talking about - and stop leaving your socks in the middle of the floor, there's nobody here to clean up after you! Surrending the things of youth... only to a point though. I know things have to change the older we get, we have to be responsible, have to be reliable and dependable, have to contribute to society, but I will try to make sure I only surrender the things that keep me from making wonderful things happen in my life... I give away my past hurts, old grudges, dusty fears, and pig-headed deafness... In exchange I embrace an open heart, a lighter outlook, and a more positive dream of life and living.

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.

I know that bad things happen to good people, and that despite the best laid plans things can get away from you and go awry. However, it does no good to surround yourself with worries about the terrible things that could go wrong, or the bad things that could happen. I will take care of myself, nourish my spirit and replenish my heart at every opportunity so that I don't have to live a life of fear 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.

Okay critical little nay-ssayer that lives in my head sometimes, are you listening now? I'm just human. I will try to do the best I can in all situations. I will try to be my best as often as humanly possible, but I am not going to be perfect, and I don't have to be perfect. These things that seem like mistakes and failures in the moment are just things that lead to bigger, brighter, and more beautiful days ahead... everything happens for a reason (yes, even that guy up there who cut you off, it happened for a reason, just breeeeeeeeeathhhhhhhhe).

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive God to be.

Some days I think it's all God's fault, other days I don't really have an opinion about God in the big picture. I know that what it all boils down to is that I am responsible for directing the energy I put out into the universe. What comes back to me is whatever I invited with my thoughts and actions. Think well of life, do well with life, good things will come.
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.

Take a moment in the day to close your eyes and remember that there are incredibly beautiful things in this life, in this world. Pictures something beautiful that makes your heart happy to be alive. There is always something to bring myself back to.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

The most simple and the most difficult, summed up in one. A commitment to myself... Though I may not always be a chipper soul, I will work to have a positive outlook on the world. I will strive to be happy in life, no matter what else.

Certainly a list of things that I desire to be part of my way of life, as easy as breathing. Wishing you peace, happiness and beauty as you go through your day... S.