An old memory
An old memory was resurrected today.
About sixteen years ago, I had a dear friend named Mike. We worked together and for some reason, we just clicked. He was lighthearted and fun but under that there was a depth of soul rarely found, or more accurately... rarely shared, in guys under 25. He was a thinker, a philosopher, an artist of sorts. He was also a guy's guy. He played sports, went out with his buddies and drank like a fish when Friday came around. We easily could have fallen in love, in fact... we probably did. But life circumstances prevented us from acting on those feelings and our relationship stayed platonic. I think that we cut off this friendship to protect ourselves from things.
In any event, I haven't seen Mike in years. One of the last times we were together, he read a poem to me and it has stuck with me ever since. Its a pretty famous poem and I think I may have posted it on my old blog at some point. I don't think I gave my back story on it though. The last two stanzas are the ones that strike the deepest chord with me.
Desiderata
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 vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to 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 the world is full of trickery. But let not this 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 it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-- Max Ehrmann
About sixteen years ago, I had a dear friend named Mike. We worked together and for some reason, we just clicked. He was lighthearted and fun but under that there was a depth of soul rarely found, or more accurately... rarely shared, in guys under 25. He was a thinker, a philosopher, an artist of sorts. He was also a guy's guy. He played sports, went out with his buddies and drank like a fish when Friday came around. We easily could have fallen in love, in fact... we probably did. But life circumstances prevented us from acting on those feelings and our relationship stayed platonic. I think that we cut off this friendship to protect ourselves from things.
In any event, I haven't seen Mike in years. One of the last times we were together, he read a poem to me and it has stuck with me ever since. Its a pretty famous poem and I think I may have posted it on my old blog at some point. I don't think I gave my back story on it though. The last two stanzas are the ones that strike the deepest chord with me.
Desiderata
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 vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to 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 the world is full of trickery. But let not this 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 it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-- Max Ehrmann
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