{"id":1534,"date":"2012-11-01T18:57:13","date_gmt":"2012-11-02T00:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/wrestlingwithyourself\/?p=1534"},"modified":"2012-11-01T18:57:13","modified_gmt":"2012-11-02T00:57:13","slug":"desiderata-poem-by-max-ehrmann","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/wrestlingwithyourself\/2012\/11\/desiderata-poem-by-max-ehrmann\/","title":{"rendered":"Desiderata Poem by Max Ehrmann"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Desiderata<\/p>\n

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
\nthey are vexations to the spirit.
\nIf you compare yourself with others,
\nyou may become vain and bitter;
\nfor always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
\nEnjoy your achievements as well as your plans.<\/p>\n

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
\nit is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
\nExercise caution in your business affairs;
\nfor the world is full of trickery.
\nBut let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
\nmany persons strive for high ideals;
\nand everywhere life is full of heroism.<\/p>\n

Be yourself.
\nEspecially, do not feign affection.
\nNeither be cynical about love;
\nfor in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
\nit is as perennial as the grass.<\/p>\n

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
\ngracefully surrendering the things of youth.
\nNurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
\nBut do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
\nMany fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
\nBeyond a wholesome discipline,
\nbe gentle with yourself.<\/p>\n

You are a child of the universe,
\nno less than the trees and the stars;
\nyou have a right to be here.
\nAnd whether or not it is clear to you,
\nno doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.<\/p>\n

Therefore be at peace with God,
\nwhatever you conceive Him to be,
\nand whatever your labors and aspirations,
\nin the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.<\/p>\n

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
\nit is still a beautiful world.
\nBe cheerful.
\nStrive to be happy.<\/p>\n

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