The Desiderata guide to living life to the full

A recent upheaval in my personal life has forced me to reevaluate my life and myself as an individual. This has been without doubt the most difficult period of my life, but in many ways I have found it rewarding.

In working through these issues, this poem by Max Ehrmann has been of some comfort and helped me focus on the things that I want.

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 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy

I had always thought of myself as a happy go lucky sort of fellow, but the reality was very different and the last few months and years has actually been really difficult. Sometimes you can’t see what the problem is or you don’t want to admit there is a problem and having been there I understand how that feels.

I have never understood how people can get stressed and depression is something I’ve always felt awkward about. I mean, what do you say to someone who’s depressed?

My life was / is / will be great and yet I feel like my life sucks. That’s crazy, but that’s how I feel. So, anyway, this poem has some very good advice on how to live life and if I can live my life like this, then I will truly be happy.

If you have any advice or know of other great literature then do let me know in the comments below.

Thanks.