If that question makes you as uncomfortable as your waistband, you’re in good company. I often find that, at times like these, when I’m dissatisfied with my physical self, when I’m failing to meet my goals, that I am often dissatisfied in all aspects of my life. One unhappy thing often brings down another until you find you’re tearing down the walls of your own house because you didn’t like the way one crooked picture was hanging. It’s a destructive cycle we have all found ourselves in.
There is a saying that we repeat all too often. “This, too, shall pass.” It’s a comforting idea, but the problem with it is that it can become far too commonplace; it can become like a chant, a mantra, of waiting for bad things to end, instead of making GOOD things BEGIN. And I often find the firmest foundation for CREATING good in your life, is recognizing the good that is already there. So today I submit to you the musings of American writer Max Ehrmann. The name of the piece is Desiderata, Latin for “desired things”. Whatever it is that you are desiring today; be it willpower, bigger muscles, smaller pants, or anything else in your world, remember that the universe is unfolding as it should. And if you are waiting for a trial to pass, do not use it as an excuse to sit idly by, imagining that the things you want from life will somehow, someday, magically fall into your lap. Rather, use this as an opportunity to plan what you’re going to do to achieve your dreams when you HAVE gotten over this hump. Hit the ground running every day, my friends. Life is a marathon, and you’re training for it, whether you know it or not. Why not embrace it? Today, my friends; ready, set, Go Without Fear! May this piece bring you calmness, gratitude, and good cheer today. Strive to be happy. Namaste!
Go placidly amidst 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 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 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 with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
