Desiderata

The common myth is that the Desiderata poem was found in a Baltimore church in 1692 and is centuries old, of unknown origin. Desiderata was in fact written around 1920 and copyrighted in 1927, by lawyer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) of Terre Haute, Indiana.

The Desiderata myth began after Reverend Frederick Kates reproduced the Desiderata poem in a collection of inspirational works for his congregation in 1959 on church notepaper, headed: 'The Old St Paul's Church, Baltimore, AD 1692' (the year the church was founded). Copies of the Desiderata page were circulated among friends, and the myth grew.


Regardless of its origins, I find this piece highly inspirational and turn to it whenever certain elements of my life come out of balance.  Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook will recognize it, but I wanted to share it again today.  It's value is timeless and it is worth multiple readings, especially when you find yourself struggling for some sense of peace.  

 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 the 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 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 with your soul.

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

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Ezzy has landed

It's November 1rst and, here at the Rudman residence, we have had yet one more successful landing by "Ezzy" the Halloween Witch.  If you do not know who "Ezzy" is, please see my former post entitled "Move Over Santa, the Halloween Witch is Coming to Town."  

Two Halloween books for each child nestled in gift bags were placed on the front step by "Ezzy" and they were thrilled.  And as "Ezzy" carted away the bag of Halloween candy, she noticed a note placed carefully in the bag on top of all the colorful sugar bombs.  The note read as follows:

"Dear Ezzy:

I hope you had fun last night trick-or-treating or just flying around on your broom with your black cat. Do you think you could tell me the name of your black cat because if I don't get the name of him I'm going to have to just call him "black cat". 

Remember to come to my house when I have my own kids so that we can sign the contract.  One more thing...does your black cat have kittens? 

The end.  

from:  Elleyna"

So, while the existence of Santa hangs in the balance, Ezzy the Witch is safe from exposure and lives to fly around the world on her "hemi-powered broom" for yet another year.  Now, to name that darn cat.