The Desiderata Poem, by Max Ehrmann, is one of the most inspirational poems I have read. It’s perfect for these unprecedented times…..We seem to be living in very uncertain times if you listen to the news. Things are changing daily and the world is quite scary. If you want something uplifting, then listen and read below, the fantastic words for life from the Desiderata poem on the video below.
It’s one of the loveliest poems I have read and it’s by Max Ehrmann. The Latin meaning for Desiderata literally means: “something that is needed or wanted”. It’s been hanging in my room for years and when needed I go and read it. I just find it so uplifting and hopeful and I do hope that you do also, especially this time we are living in today.
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Desiderata Video:
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Words of Desiderata Poem:
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.
(c) Max Ehrmann
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I read somewhere a long time ago and I have found it to be so true. Sometimes things don’t turn out the way you plan. Sometimes they turn out even better. Take care.
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This presentation contains images that were used under a Creative Commons License.
I am also an animal love, and I feel like they save me as much as I save them. I can see how you would connect them to these words as an inspiration. There is definitely a lot of negativity in the world, and it’s up to each of us to find what pulls us through personally. Thanks so much for sharing.
This is so relevant right now! “With all, its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful, Strive to be happy.” I think this is going to be my new mantra for the next couple of weeks. Striving to be cheerful, laugh, smile, and recognize silver lining opportunities amidst all the fear and uncertainty.
As you mention in your conclusion, there is often an even better plan waiting right around the corner when we can let go of our attachment to the plan we had created in our heads!
Tucker
Glad you found the video and the words relevant and off help.
Yes. I have found that good things have happened in my life, but it needed a bad event to bring it around. It made me more appreciate what I had. I always liken it to the philosophy of Yin and Yang.
John