Desiderata

My dearest favorite sweetest aunt in the world sent me this card. It arrived in the mail the week before. She been a aunt agony to me since I was young and always been there for me, mothering me always. :)

Thank you!

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 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 ears, 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.