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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy...
--- Max Ehrmann, 1927