Peace and Fitness

Rules to Live By

by

There is a masterpiece by Max Ehrmann that I like to read and re-read for the excellent messages contained within…This morning I would like to share it with you.  If you have never read it before, you may recognize the words as the background to the Moody Blue’s song, “Nights in White Satin”.  I hope it will impact you as it did me.  It’s amazing how it is as timely today as when it was first written.

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 will all persons.  Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; for they too have their story.  Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.  If you compare yourself to 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 if 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 big 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 your 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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Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this timeless message with us. The thoughts of Max Ehrmann will perpetuate for countless years. There are so many geunine truths that he stated in such honest and sincere simplicity. If only all the world could live by these beliefs………what a wonderful world it would be! BUT……it is a wonderful world and everyone must learn to realize that!

  2. And here is the “balance” that I have been seeking in my life. My challenge is that I allow outside forces (needy family members, a lousy boss, a stressful job situation) to have a major impact on my life. I need to dig deeper within my own life and spirit to find the peace and balance I seek.

    It looks so easy when written out this way, but the reality of being at peace with yourself is a life long pursuit that I have just recently begun.

    Thank you Bonni – this is one that I will keep always and come back to time and time again.
    I know you can’t see it or hear it, but I’m all choked up here, you’ve touched me deeply.

  3. My name is Piter Jankovich. oOnly want to tell, that your blog is really cool
    And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
    P.S. Sorry for my bad english

    • Yes, Piter–this blog is basically a hobby for me-it just sort of happened …thanks for stopping by and checking it out

  6. I love that piece and was so happy to see it in print. I have visited your blog regularly, but am now going back and rereading some of the entries that I had skipped over. I wanted you to know I have been doing at least one day a week of NO animals products. My kids love this idea. We may make it twice a week for summer. Maybe more.

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