food for thought

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; listen to others, even 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 the 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. And whatever your labours
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 BEATIFUL
WORLD. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Always.