I keep a copy of this pinned to my wall. It's been there for years and I don't look at it very often. I just happened to read it now and thought it might help some of you:
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 the truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are a vexation to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and better persons than yourself. Enjoy you 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 years, Gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to sheild you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with youself.
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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
FOUND IN OLD SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH, BALTIMORE, DATED 1692
Someone gave me a copy of this for my birthday decades ago, and I've kept it ever since. It IS a beautiful world, isn't it? Thanks for reminding me. Nice ! Thanks for sharing it.