Desiderata

After posting my "Big List" I went visiting some favorite haunts on the interwebs.  Places that I haven't had the chance to visit (or haven't made the effort to visit) for far too long.  Upon opening my Google Reader I found THIS post from the lovely (and awe inspiring) Tara Whitney and immediately fell in love.

So much of this poem fits right in, not only with what I want the coming year to hold but what I want my life to be like consistently.
Without further ado...

Desiderata -- Max Erhmann

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 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.