DESIDERATA. and CHILDREN LEARN

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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. 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 career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortune of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you from 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 the 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy cnfusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it’s shams, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann wrote this in 1927. Children Learn What They Live. If a child lives with criticism. He learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostlity. He learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule. He learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame. He learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance. He learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement. He learns confidence. If a child lives with praise. He learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness. He learns justice. If a child lives with security. He learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval. He learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship. He learns to find love in the world. Dorothy Law Nolte. Both oldies but good ones I think. A postscript to an earlier post ~~ I said a Hungarian man was found hanging in a tree. He had a parachute on and was not hurt – a little dehydrated for his overnight stay in the tree. He plans to be back in a glider again soon.