A way of life to think about!

I found this poem by writer Max Ehrmann to be beautiful suggestions to live by and wanted to share. Enjoy!

Desiderata

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 to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious 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 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 in your soul.

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

Simple Rules of Success

Successful individuals create their personal self-expression or purpose by taking three specific actions. They specify what success signifies to them, formulate a compelling and clear-cut image of their success and then utilize this mental image to keep them motivated on their journey. If you are ready for success, I suggest you take a little time for yourself and ask and answer these 3 things:

•    Where do I wish to be ten, twenty and thirty years from today?
•    How will it look and feel when I get there?
•    How will my life be?

I also suggest that you ask and resolve any additional questions that will help you comprise a clear-cut, intense mental image of your success.

After you define what success entails for you personally, I advise that you create a well-defined mental picture of you as a success and hold it throughout your day. This picture should be as illustrative as you are able to make it, get really creative down to your daily tasks. This isn't daydreaming, it is the task of contriving your future in your mind. This process will enable you to take the necessary steps to produce it.

Every once in a while, enquire of yourself if what you did that day have you any closer to your image of success. In that way, you'll be holding your dream alive -- and moving towards your destination.