Love Your Precious Self
Hold yourselves gently as you pass through this life. We all make choices we wish we had never made and will probably make more. We are infinite spirit, housed in finite space suits, sometimes walking in the dark. There is no one to judge us that counts except ourselves. And it would be helpful if we were lenient. Life is a challenge in a lot of ways. Most of us were raised by well meaning parents without a lot of child care experience. They were learning while we were. In the midst of this two decade training experience, we created a story of our life and that story runs us.
It may be time to give up that story and rewrite a new one that serves us better. Everyone is always doing the best they can all the time without exception! Remember this poem that was so popular many years ago? It may have even more relevance today!
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.
A poem written by Max Ehrmann in 1927
Take time to look in the mirror and smile. Then wrap your arms around you and give yourself a hug. You earned it! From my precious heart to yours, Thomas