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“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.” ~ Excerpt from Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

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Do any of the following words trigger you in some way? Do you “feel any feels” when you read them?

Donald Trump. Kamala Harris. Middle East. Suicide. Religion. Prejudice. Racism. Injustice. Pro-life. Abortion. Sexual Abuse. Politics. COVID-19. Ukraine. Russia. January 6th. September 11th. November 5th. The United States of America. Elections. Democracy. Freedom. Fascism. Authoritarianism. Fox News. MSNBC. Violence. Climate Change. Homelessness. Hunger. Poverty. Generosity. Abundance. Happiness. Joy. Gratitude. Understanding. Deep Listening. Kindness. Compassion. Respect, Unity. Nature. Inner Child Healing. Laughter. Children. Peace. Love. Hope.

The words we absorb can either heal us or hurt us, and for as long as I can remember, Max Ehrmann’s, Desiderata, succeeds in calming my soul through all of life’s challenges. This gem has been one of my favorite go-to poems for inspiration, healing, love, inner peace, and breathing in light.

My soul craves its words now more than ever. I turn to Desiderata when:

>> The world feels too chaotic for my empathic mind, body, and spirit.

>> I find myself judging people with whom I don’t agree.

>> I need to speak my truth more boldly.

>> I need a gentle reminder to avoid negative people.

>> I need to honor my past achievements.

>> I need to step into my latest visions and goals.

>> I need to believe in the goodness of people, trust, and let go.

>> I need to feel grounded and centered.

>> I need words of calm amid the turbulence.

>> I need to remember that everyone has a life story.

>> I need to keep showing love, shining love, and spreading love.

>> I need to feel that I am enough.

>> I need to remember the importance of holding and hugging my inner child.

>> I need to remember that the amount of money I make doesn’t define my success.

>> My mind is filled with fear, “dark imaginings,” and insecurities.

>> I need to stand in my light and know that I matter.

>> I need to be reminded that along with the darkness there are always light workers shining new paths of peace, kindness, and compassion.

>> I need to remember to breathe in moments of silence amid the chaos.

>> I need to accept my aging process gracefully.

>> I need to be gentle with myself and gentle with others.

>> I need a resurgence of hope, remember what I always know, and take a stand for love as the only path toward healing ourselves, each other, and the world.

And so here it is. Desiderata. May it be your guide and compass during this difficult time and beyond:

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

“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.”

As we move through this deeply emotional and life-changing time, may we all find solace in our favorite poems, books, art, music, movies, creative endeavors, the healing power of nature, and the positive anchors of gratefulness, miracles, joy, connection, hope, unconditional love, and peace.

“The words you speak become the house you live in.” ~ Hafez

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