Desiderata by Max Ehrmann (1872 – 1945) offers wise advice to contemplate.

Reminders can help ground us when life is overwhelming

I am sharing this reading by Max Ehrmann because I featured it in my bullet journal this year.

I found this newspaper cut-out on my deceased grandmother’s fridge when we were cleaning out her home. I wondered to myself when she cut it out and how often she read it. It’s interesting to recognize ‘reminders’ in other people’s spaces.

Do you have something placed somewhere to remind you of something?

In truth, the auto-pilot functions of life sometimes allow us to forget the importance of stopping and taking time to ponder. And sometimes that is all we do need, is to let go and relax. But I bet if you look hard enough, people place reminders all throughout their homes and work spaces to help them remember something that is important to them. Whether it be a photograph or a piece of art, a sticky-note or a favorite toy — reminders are all around us.

Personally, I do like to ponder some philosophy every day — deep thoughts — to remind myself to not take life to seriously. If you’re feeling overwhelmed try these tips for decreasing it.

How can something written 100 years ago still mean so much?

Take 5 minutes and read this passage out loud. Ask yourself:

• Are there any words you don’t understand?
• Is there anything that speaks to you at this moment in your life?
• Did you feel that reading it was a waste of time?

Desiderata (Latin: “Things Desired”)

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 ignorant; they, too, have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations of 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 the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in the 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 confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

– Written by Max Ehrmann in 1927