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 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.
Neither be cynical about love for in the face of all
aridity and disenchantment it is 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 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 shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it
is still a beautiful world. Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann ~
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.
You begin to accept your defeats with your head up
and your eyes ahead with the grace of an adult,
not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build your roads on today because
tomorrow's ground is too uncertain,.. for plans and
futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much, so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for
someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure, you
really are strong, and you really do have worth.
And you learn,.... And you learn..
With every goodbye, you learn.....
Veronica A. Shoffstall 1971
