Desiderata - A Life Changing Poem for Hard Times

go placidly amid the noise amazed 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 [Music] avoid loud in 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 or in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass [Music] take kindly the counsel of the year's gracefully surrendering the things of youth nurtures 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 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 conceived him to be and whatever your Labor's 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 [Music]