When I was a kid I loved going to my grandfather's house in Wisconsin. To me there was nowhere more beautiful than the North Woods as so many call that area with all of the forestry and animals. It was and still is a great place to go (my father now lives there), staying in the log cabin next to the river is probably one of my all time places to be and holds a lot of memories from my childhood and early adult life (it's still early, I just mean earlier than now :).
But still to this day there was a poem that hung in that house that has inspired my life in so many ways and grounded me, and as of late it has been on my mind. I shared it with one of my boys at work hoping that maybe he would find meaning it as I have throughout the years and take it with him when he leave the program in a few short weeks. For now though I felt like sharing it with the people who will take the time and read it, hopefully you will enjoy it as I have.
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
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 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.
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