I recently watched an Oprah's Master Class with guest Morgan Freeman. Mr. Freeman talked about a poem he use to have posted inside the cabin of his boat.
As he shared parts of the poem with the audience, I found myself feeling inspired by the words and their delivery. I researched the internet and found the piece. Here it is...
I have added some photographs by Trey Ratcliff, a generous and gifted photographer. I encourage you to visit Trey's website www.stuckincustoms.com and view his works.
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 ignorant; they too have their story.
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.
Photos courtesy of Trey Ratcliff www.stuckincustoms.com
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.
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.
Photos courtesy of Trey Ratcliff www.stuckincustoms.com
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.
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.
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.
Photos courtesy of Trey Ratcliff www.stuckincustoms.com
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.
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.
Photos courtesy of Trey Ratcliff www.stuckincustoms.com
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.
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 (Her) to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
Photos courtesy of Trey Ratcliff www.stuckincustoms.com
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it
is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to
be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927
