Desiderata is Latin for "Desired Things". I've read this
poem before but recently saw it on a
this blog and remember how true it is. It is a great read during this time of upheaval in the world, a bad ecomony in our country and craziness with the holidays. It is good to remember that "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world." Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
DesiderataGo placidly amidst 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
After a very rough day at sections because of being sick, Jackie boy pulled it together like he does best and earned a podium spot for the 100 fly and another trip to the state tournament! Yipee! He broke the old school record with a new time of 52.87! We are really proud of you Jack!
I love this moving image of London. The Ferris Wheel is something that has been added to the skyline since I was a student there, but Big Ben, the River Thames and those fun red double decker buses bring back so many wonderful memories.
Isn't this an awesome photo of Jack? He loves swimming the butterfly and we love watching him! Go Jack.
While these photos are certainly not impressive, they do represent a nice accomplishement for me on my quest to Sort, Organize, Arrange and Recycle! My goal is to get rid of some stuff that we have hanging around here...so once a month I want to take a car load (or just 1 bag!) to our local thrift store called the wise penny. The photo of the bags of stuff marks my first attempt to clear some clutter. I also posted a FREE listing on craigslist for those boxes. Maybe someone would like them to use for moving, storing or shipping... Anyhooo I feel like I am on a roll. Today I am going through all of the Christmas cards We've received from the past few years and putting the ones with photos in some scrapbooks that I started when Richard and I were first married....soooo exciting! More to follow!
I love picking a word of the year. For me, it is a great way to start off the new year with an intention to accomplish something. Last year my word was TRAVEL. You can take a look back and see why I chose that word if you like. This year my word is SOAR. It evokes a feeling of being free of what weighs you down and getting up and doing the things you want to do. I am also looking at the word as an acronym for the things that I want to accomplish this year:
Saturday night Rod and Sheila, Renee and Monti and Richard and I ventured out for some Detroit style pizza and a couple of pops at the bar. We went to Norm's Wayside and had a festive and fun evening. It is always great to spend some time with this gang! Thanks for the presents Sheila!
