My resolution for 2011 is to always see the world through the wonder-filled eyes of a child.
Desiderata
Max Ehrman
circa 1923
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 to 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to 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 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.
Max Ehrmann
I start each day with these treasured words.
Blessings to you and yours in 2011.
Sharon
I start each day with these treasured words.
Blessings to you and yours in 2011.
Sharon
41 comments:
Amen, Sharon! I visited with my 93 year friend this afternoon. He lost his older daughter and his beloved wife of 65 years this year. He is one of the happiest people I know despite his losses! You have to believe the glass is half full not half empty! Happy New Year dear friends! xx Nancy
Nancy dear,
You're one of the best discoveries of 2010. We'll always be friends!
Love,
Sharon
Beautiful words to live by, Sharon. may your 2011 be full of lovely things. Hugs, Grace
Wonderful thoughts to start out a new and better year. I will take it all to heart in my own life. Wishing you a creative and happy new year!
Oh, I forgot to tell you, the teapot has been emptied and filled many times... and two full pages as well!
Brightest Blessings to you and yours, Sharon. Thank you for posting the Desiderata! Sending your way wishes for good health,happiness, and peace for the New Year. Robin.
"A Very Happy New Year to you and yours Sharon"! You are always such a breath of fresh air to everyone... Reading your post is such a beautiful way to start 2011... Thank you!
Hugs, Donna
Have a Good New Year!
Christer.
I haven't ever come across Desiderata before. What a treat, what a joy!
Thank you - I too shall start each day reading it.
Much love
Leanne New Zealand. XX
Happy New Year to you Sharon - and thank you for sharing the wonderful words that I haven't read for quite some time.
Beautiful words and beautiful sentiments.
Happy New Year dearest Sharon, may it be a great one for you and your loved ones.;))
xoxo
Beautiful words and an excellent way to start any day but especially the first day of the New Year. Hope 2011 brings you much happiness, joy and good health.
Jane
Sharon, thank you for these wonderful words. First words to read this early morning of the New Year. Blessings to you this year and I am so pleased I found you!
Peace in your soul ... YES!
Happy New Year!
Dearest Sharon~Your words ring so true for me. It's looking into the eyes of my grands that makes me believe the world isn't so bad and everything will be okay. I have to believe that, especially after this year!
Blessings to you and your family for a happy, healthy new year. Love, xoxo
Those are wonderful words to live by. One of the best blessing I have had this year have been the friends I have made through this blog and you are one of them.
Hugs and Blessings
Kay
Beautiful words dear Sharon- we should all take them to heart. (if only that could be so!)
Thank you for your inspirations this past year. I am so looking forward to another year filled with your stories and photos. You bring your world to life for all of us---
Happy New Year Sharon- may you and your family be showered with blessings in this brand new year.
Vicki
Dear Sharon!
Happy Happy New year..I LOVE Desiderata...wonderful words to begin each new day with... one of my greatest joys was meeting you in 2010!
Thank you for your friendship! It's a delight!
Much love,
Deb
Blessings to you, Sharon, and yours. You enrich so many lives...I gave Toad Cottages to a dear friend who lost her husband in 2010, and it has brought her huge comfort as she's an awesome grandmother with a huge love for nature. That along was a huge gift to me...thank you for your love and support of others and your joyous persona in the social media world. xxjodi
Lovely Sharon! Wise words ... if we can remember them in the hubub of everyday life!
Dan
-x-
Beautiful Sharon. Thank you for the lovely wishes, i hope the same for you and all your loved ones. Love Desiderata, i have a framed copy also.
All the best in 2011!
love,
lori
Such good words to live by. Mr. Ehrman must have been a wise man.
May the New Year bring you and yours good health and happiness.
Love, The Farmlady
What great words to start each day (and year) with.
I hope you and your family have a very healthy and happy new year!
Here Here! I toast to the wisdom found in this poem. New Year Blessings to you dear Sharon. And what a sweet little face you have found to illustrate all the joy. One of the Grands? xoxo ~Lili
Dear Sharon, What great words of wisdom! Thank you for sharing and for all of your kind supportive comments over these last months. I am so glad to have found you this year! Wishing you Many Blessings for 2011! Happy Happy New Year! Hugs, Carol
sharon,i planned to post Desiderata so besides for the fact that great minds think alike i am so glad to read it here. thank you.
i wish you a wonder.filled year and i'll be along for the beautiful ride.
with love
kj
I wish you peace and joy in this New Year, Sharon.
Mona
Thank you so much for sharing that passage, Sharon. It is one of the most beautiful and enlightened things I've ever read. So full of truth, and so uplifting. It makes me feel very happy to know there was a person out there who thought and wrote these words.
When I tell you 'Happy New Year,' please know that it's not a hollow saying...I really do wish you a most beautiful 12 months, with new discoveries, wonder, laughter, rest, good company, creativity, and a feeling of contentment in the simple things.
Love,
Dawn
I so love those words, Sharon. Thank you for reminding me of them and the wisdom they impart.
Happy New Year to you!
xo
Claudia
Wise and kindly spoken truths, Sharon. I'm bookmarking this page to help myself remember your wish for me. I especially need to keep in the forefront of my heart the reminder to see the world through the wonder-filled eyes of a child. Gratefully, my 4 year old grandson helps me achieve that one.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2011 for you and your family.
Meems
Thank you for your kind words about my book on my blog, Sharon! It means so much coming from such an accomplished author and gardener as yourself. Can't wait to see your review!
Best wishes for 2011.
xo
Andrea
What wise, uplifting, educational, and nurturing words you always share here. I've missed visiting your blog. Thank you for your comments on mine as well. Let me say that your variagated tree was simply beautiful and I loved the idea of the children with the threaded treasure hunt, what fun! I wish you a wonderful 2011...Love, Health, and Happiness!
xo, Dee
My oldest sister came home from college years and years ago and brought that with her. I read it over and over, trying to know her a bit better. As I get older, I'm thinking of ways to take the positive high road more and more often. I am pretty positive until I think of ways I sometimes find fault in others. I'm curtailing some of my "observations" and resisting the urge to "share" them unless they are happy and uplifting.
Lovely!!! Best wishes for the New year to you, too.
Happy New Year, Sharon! May it be filled with many blessings and much happiness! :)
Kristina
Thanks for the lovely reminder for the New Year. Some things just need to be taught over and over and over.
I've received a few letters about the Desiderata and I just need to mention that I seem to focus on a new part of it every day.
Like today-I read and re read "If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be great and lesser persons than yourself."
I think that is one of my greatest failings, comparing myself to others. "Why can't I do better?" etc. Jeff always says, just focus on doing what YOU can do and do it in the best way you know how.
S
Amen my friend. A good thing to remember everyday. I love the picture. :) Love you too.~~Dee
Beautiful! There's a giveaway on my end!
(p.s. I was happy to see the gift we gave my parents pleased you! They were very excited!)
I think my mother had that in a frame on her dresser for many years... ~ but being a kid, I didn't appreciate it. I can and do now; thank you for sharing and reminding me. I'm going to ask her if she still has it. :) Wishing you all the very best for 2011 and beyond ~ Melody :)
Beautiful words Sharon - if only we all would look at life this way~~
We should tatoo these words on our hearts~
Vicki
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