Desiderata

Desiderata

-Max Ehrmann 1920's

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious 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 you 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 in your soul

With all its sham, drudgery,

and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be

happy.

Addendum:  This one never grows old.  Always a good reminder and gauge for us in life.  Meaning seems to be a little different, a little deeper and more personal every time I read it.

The Four Agreements

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean.

Avoid using the word to speak against yourself

or to gossip about others. Use the power of your

word in the direction of truth and love.

DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY

Nothing others do is because of you. What others

say and do is a projection of their own reality, their

own dream. When you are immune to the

opinions and actions of others, you won't be the

victim of needless suffering.

DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS

Find the courage to ask questions and to express

what you really want. Communicate with others

as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings,

sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement,

you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST

Your best is going to change from moment to

moment, it will be different when you are healthy

as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply

do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment,

self-abuse and regret.

by Don Miguel Ruiz

Publishes some great books, with fabulous perspective. Great reads, will make you think and

evaluate.

Reflections of a Changing Season

Action and reaction, ebb and flow,

trial and error, change-

this is the rhythm of living.

Out of our over-confidence, fear;

out of our fear, clearer vision,

fresh hope.

And out of hope,

progress

-Bruce Barton

REFLECTIONS

I believe the introspective process of reflecting helps the healthy individual evaluate if he or she is navigating

their correct and solid course in life. A life full blown ahead without permission to stop and reflect is a

life of frivolity. If a soul can not reflect (def. of an act, to serve to cast or bring credit/discredit on its

performer.) on their previous decisions and actions, then their is no need to proceed. You have already

cast your stone, now you are just following out the projectory. A waste of air I might add. Life is fragile, and

today is a gift. Live fully!!! If you are deep in a hole, you might just stop digging.

One last comment on reflecting. I think it is also very healthy to reflect on history. Yes, for sure you

can see I am aging. History of the world, history of the country, your family history, and your personal

history. History. I see wisdom in history. More wisdom than we might gain, in our measly years. Be open

to it... history is not of the dead, it is of living more fully in the future. Nice paradox.

CHANGE

All change is not growth,

As all movement is not forward.

-E. Glasgow

Any change, even a change for the better,

is always accompanied by

drawbacks and discomforts.

-A. Bennett

Change is inevitable

-except from a vending

machine

-RC Gallagher

Introduction to wandering and wondering

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams,

live the life you have imagined" HDT

This is my first attempt at blogging. My hope is this may be a nice medium to express my random thoughts and ponderings. In no way is the purpose to be offensive or negative. However if I express something you don't agree with or that offends you, please feel free to not read any further. (Disclaimer)

First quote is a quote that I have had framed in my bedroom for about 20 years now. I pull inspiration from it often, and it helps me focus on the positive side of life. It may not be my favorite quote. It may not be my most inspirational quote. It may not be the one that gave me strength at a vital time. But it is my "work horse" daily grind quote.

I foresee much of my blogging to be wrapped around quotes and daily thoughts.

I have been very blessed in my life. I have focused on goals and positive situations, and I believe by doing so I have had great success in living a very full and mostly happy life.

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair.

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads to on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in the wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

--Robert Frost (1874-1963)

This is a vital poem. I think that there are many different trains of thought. This point to me on a personal level separates individuals who are courageous enough to pursue self actualization and not be swept up in a very Nietzsche life of living like one of a flock. Self actualization doesn't mean that you have to be the "black sheep", but rather find your own individuality.

Nietzsche also held that the ideals of human equality perpetuate mediocrity. Interesting concept that we may revisit in a future blog.