hi there 2008
January 2, 2008
- 11 candles lit
- 1 fire roaring in the fireplace
- 2 glasses of apple cider
- 2 people in love
- 1 dog sleeping
- 2 cats dozing
- 1 notebook
- 34 written intentions
- 1 feeling of living the way we want
- 1 early bedtime
I am feeling so optimistic about 2008. On the verge of something good. I can feel it in my bones. I can’t wait to see what happens.
To start this year off I wanted to re-read what was read at my wedding, and share it with you. (It’s long-ish, but I assure you it’s worth it.)
I am going to try to hold this close to my heart this whole year.
Desiderata
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.
~Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I love the Desiderata. I found it when I was around 18 years old, and thought it was one of the best things I had ever read. Still do.
Thanks for all the inspiration.
Happy New Year to you and yours, Penelope!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:28 am
What a beautiful & uplifting post! Thank you for reminding me about The Desiderata - like Kimburgerly, I first read it when I was younger (14) and it moved and inspired me enough to get out my fancy pens, write it on poster-sized paper, and stick it up over my desk! I had totally forgotten about it until your post so it was lovely to be reminded. Thank you. And happy 2008 :)
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 am
So beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy NY P!
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 am
happy new year! I hope this year brings you everything you wish for! I really like the reading you had. I’ve been on the look out for something for my own wedding and this might be just the thing! Full of wisdom and things that are good to remember. Would you mind if we used it?
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Lesley: of course not! Go for it! :)
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Thanks for this inspiring post! It’s just what I needed to hear today. I really enjoy reading your blog. I enjoy all your posts so much! Thanks for sharing with us :)
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
The Desiderata has always been one of my favourite works. Thanks for posting it here.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Unlike the previous posters, this is the first time I’ve read The Desiderata. It’s one of the most beautiful, poignant, and uplifting things I’ve read in a long time. Thank you for sharing it.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Happy New year!
Thank you for sharing The Desiderata. It brings life into focus.
I too have a feeling that 2008 is going to be fantastic. I have been blessed with a loving, supportive wife, great family, and excellent friends. Enough love and energy to keep me going.
Your an inspiration to many. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and life.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Keep the karma. Keep the positive attitude even in the face of set-backs!
January 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
what beautiful words, wisdom, intention, blessing. i haven’t read this before but feel like i will now, from time to time. thanks Penny. really, it’s perfect. and YES! we, too, have a super good feeling about this year. just feeling so positive and excited about plans and the unknown…xo
January 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
this hung on my bathroom wall for years in my mother’s house
thank you for reminding me.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Such a beautiful poem, Penelope. I wish you many such days and nights as this in the New Year. :)
January 6th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Wow - I was just thinking about this the other day at work. I love Desiderata. I memorized it when I was a kid because it used to hang in the bathroom room at my parents place. I started reading it when I was 10 and even at that age really was inspired by the words.
A great poem to live by for the new year! :)