The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
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.
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
This was actually my first "prayer" when I began my prayer life in this program. It was non denominational, general, and loving. It connected me to the greater source that spoke of the things I felt my parent's "Should" have taught me and didn't (today I know they couldn't have taught me these things within this prayer even if they wanted to.)
I also realized that this prayer was so special for my mother she framed it and hung it on the wall in our hallway for years. I'm not sure if it did her any good. Or dad. I rememeber how she tried to preach this to me, especially about "taking the councel of the years."
Beautiful poem. I had seen the first verse somewhere but never the whole thing. I was interested so I looked up what desiderata meant.. It is Latin for "desired things"
These are wonderful things to focus on and desire in life.
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
You took me back to the 70's. I had that poster up in my dorm room at college. Have looked at that prayer from time to time over the years. Thank you for posting it. Good reminder for me. "Be yourself" that is what I strive for...not to be what everyone else wants me to be....Thank you again. Big hugs to you.
Mom actually had that in the "Throne" room, if ya know what i mean. Being the youngest of 5, 3 older bros, I spent plenty of time in our bathroom because it was the only door with a lock. The Desideraga was read often, understood less, but still genuinely affected my philosophy over the years...
"Go placidly..."
love cj
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time to stop going to the hardware store to buy bread.