Desiderata

Today is my birthday. Another year round the sun, and way too many grey hairs to count.  But, I am happy.  Ridiculously so.  Not that life isn’t without it’s stresses or disasters…but, I am happy with myself. And it took forever to be in this place.

Now, don’t get me wrong here, I still have a daily battle with my tummy bulge or those dreaded bat wings that have become my triceps…but I am at peace with the woman I have become.

My soul.  My journey. My messy life that is filled with crazy characters and a ton of love.

My god, it took forever and many a battle with myself to get here.  Therefore, I have no shame in saying that I am proud that I landed on my feet, and next to Mike.  I wish I could go back in time and wrap my arms around myself when I was so lost in my 20’s.  I would have told myself to stop living my life based on what others think of me, what stupid boys looked my way, or what size my waist line was. None of that mattered.

I would have said “It will get better. I promise”.

So, on this day I wanted to share with you one of my favorite poems. You can download it here: Desiderata by Max Ehrmann 

Let it remind you of how worthy you are.  And above all, be gentle with yourself. xo

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid 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 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 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.