Desiderata

04.28.26

Sometimes listening is more important than anything I have to say. A friend shared this with me the other day, and as I’ve been trying to write about the ups and downs of this past week, it keeps coming back to mind. So instead of forcing my own words, I’m sharing this.

Desiderata – Words for Life
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.

Max Ehrmann, 1927

I had to look up the word “Desiderata,” and it means things that are desired or wanted.

In this context, it reads like a collection of gentle reminders about what truly matters. Peace, humility, kindness, perspective, and inner steadiness. What stands out to me isn’t just the meaning, but why it stayed with me. The idea of listening more than speaking feels like the center of it. Slowing down enough to let other people exist fully, not just reacting to them.

There’s also a quiet connection to this past week, especially the line: “Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.” That hits like a life brick to the face. It doesn’t dismiss the fear, but explains it, and gives me a little space from it.

“It is still a beautiful world” doesn’t feel naive. It feels like a choice. A choice I get to make every day.