What we don't see.

Its hard to know what really goes on in someone's life or heart.  I think we would all be shocked to discover how often we misjudge, or how much we assume, even about those whom we see and speak with frequently.  And, sadly, sometimes we don't realize how much someone means to us until we have seen them hurt or have been hurt by them.  I know how much of my own heart I keep hidden from everyone but my husband, and so its always a bit shameful to me when I learn that I have over-assumed--when I have found that I thought I understood better than I did and made judgments accordingly.  How terrible and how marvelous people can be.  I felt like it was appropriate to share this again.

Desiderata

(c) 1952 Max Ehrmann

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 to 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. . . .

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.

"Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not, fear not."   ~D&C 6:36

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33