My Philosophy for Living

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rbtro

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Joined
Aug 2, 2006
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27
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PALS
Country
US
State
Maryland
City
Arnold
Hi all,

It's me again, I had my retirement party Friday. Received alot of cards with comments about how I always seem upbeat and smile even now. I thought I might share what has helped me over the years. I found this poster years ago, circa 1970, I attached it to a sheet of plywood and framed it. I hung it in my workshop and then hung it in my office when I got this job. It has reminded me of almost daily of what I am.




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.

Anonymos Found in Old St.Paul's Church 1692


I've since learned that this was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927 and copyrighted in 1952 and not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! --

Whatever I just wanted to share this as it has given me peace over the years and now.

God Bless.
Rich
 
A good philosophy to live by. Well done.
 
Rich...
Your post was a real 'blast from the past' for me---cool! I started reading it and I found myself just spouting it out by heart (the same way I can recite the Catholic mass!). But I hadn't seen this poem since my childhood in the 70s, where I had it on some poster or another too and was really taken by it then, enough to memorize it. But it had long since faded from my life, or so I thought. Now it is back in my life--and more important than ever---thanks for sharing.
Beth (CALS to husband Shannon, diagnoseded 8/04 at age 40)
 
Hey Beth is that in Latin or English?
 
Al, I think if I'm asleep I can spout the Latin.....otherwise I am young enough that I mostly got the English version.......and then there are all those tv commercials from the 70s, stored away in the brain space where I should be remembering my husbands meds at 5 PM!
Beth
 
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