Making It Count ...

We are all unique ...

I came across the Desiderata poem when I was 9 years old. It struck a chord even at a young age. I believe this helped me (and continues to do so) with my approach to life and view of the world per se. It also alerted me to 'the lawyer', 'lawyering' and copyright law; lawyers per se whom I thought were rather smart and a subject matter that I became somewhat curious about. Together with my experience of chipping bricks at 6 years old and a life's painful 'legal lesson' learned I began to have an interest in 'the law'.

The common myth is that the Desiderata poem is of unknown origin, centuries old and was orignally found in a Baltimore church in 1692. It was copyrighted in 1927, by lawyer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) based in Terre Haute, Indiana. Typical lawyer - didn't miss a trick.

Whatever the truth of the matter, here it is:

"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 to 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 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." Max Ehrmann c.1920

Are you happy? Come and join me here

  Chrissie Lightfoot

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