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 to 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 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 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann c.1920
Sophia - Stacy – LOVE!!!!!
Maureen - Hey Stacy!
Beautiful pictures! I love the contrast of beautiful woman & dress against the dilapidated home. You are a brave one going into homes like this!!
I had to write to tell you that I find it pretty wild that you posted this quote because just yesterday I was on another blog and in the background there was a painting with the end of this quote. I loved it and wrote it down in my journal. Now today you write it on your blog…I feel like it is a message I am suppose to get.
I hope all is well for you and that you are happy & cheerful! Your blog tells me you are 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration.
~Maureen
stacy - wow, maureen! isn’t it so strange when you get the feeling that the universe is trying to tell you something? i fell in love with this poem as soon as i read it. morgan freeman, the actor, is who mentioned it during an interview. it was written in 1920, but so timeless in giving advice. i feel as though i’ll refer to it often. 🙂 thanks for your kind words!
–S
Becky S. - Truly Beautiful!