Desiderata

Desiderata is latin for "desired things." It was written by American poet Max Ehrmann. These are good words. I discovered them at the hospital one day while I was on my Paediatric rotation. It was posted to the back of the door in the ECG room. Not quite sure what it has to do with ECG's specifically. Most likely nothing. The person who posted it there perhaps thought that it was a good reminder of how one should seek to live their life on a daily basis.

It was the first line that caught me. It--quite frankly--seems to be the only line I remember regularly. I find myself repeating it when I become upset, angry, or find my anxiety rising for whatever annoyance that sees fit to present itself to me at that moment. It helps.

"...remember what peace there may be in silence." It is difficult these days to just sit and be. I find it difficult. This may just be the best phrase in the whole poem. I believe that peace can be found in silence. Now if only I could get there......

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 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 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 critical 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

Yours,

Peacefully.... : -)