desiderata

Blah, it's stupid Monday again. I hate Mondays. J is back at work, the house is a mess, I'm mad at Lea , and I'm crampy and tired and coooold.

On the positive side, I did 20 min of yoga this morning, which I'm hoping will eventually make my achy achy hips feel better. And I'm watching Donnie Darko, which is just dark enough to make me smile today. And I have hot chocolate to drink and a yummy smelling candle on my desk and later, I have the stuff to make taco salad for lunch/dinner - yum.

A few final notes, I slept through most of the Superbowl, and most of the good ads (I'm sure they'll show up online soon) and I don't feel like I missed much. And please for the love of everything, never ever let some dumb contest make you question your self worth, or anyone else's.

Today is a good day for my most favorite poem/writing of all time.

The Desiderata

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 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 or 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's 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

"Desiderata" was written by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)