Saturday, February 12, 2011

I've spent a good amount of precious naptime enjoying the wonderful recent dispatches from all our Journey Sisters and, though I'm generally feeling inspired, my brain is not quite keeping up and my little computer is struggling to load any of the new pictures I'd like to post. So... a bit of a cop-out I suppose to transcribe the words of another, but I read this poem this week (posted by another mama on facebook) and thought it was an apt mantra-like work for all of us. I found nearly every line to be a bit of wisdom I of which I often need to be reminded. This is "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann:


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.

Yes. I needed this this week. Especially, "Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness." Hope it is useful to you all as well. 
Also, happier things! I wrote about Saskia's nine month lunaversary over at my other (mostly neglected)blog-- if you'd like to read it, it is here.
And, because she is adorable, here is Little One in the tub:
 Love to you all!

4 comments:

  1. Angie!! Thanks for sharing that.

    I loooved what you wrote about Saskia and I am sure she will love it too.

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  2. "Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness." That jumped out at me at first glance. It spoke to me too. There were a few parts in this writing that spoke to me. Thanks for posting this :)

    Saskia IS adorable. Look at that little one. What a cute smile. And look how much hair she has now! Love it.

    I gotta go read your other blog's post :)

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  3. Oh wait! I had read it before! (I thought maybe it was that one). It's one of my favorites!! xxooo

    ReplyDelete

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