Something Desired....

    These words are used to define the word Desideratum, the singular form of the word Desiderata.   Other words such as essential, necessary, required.... have essentially the same meaning, but with much less passion.    For those of you unfamiliar with this particular work, Desiderata also the title of a poem that is generally believed to have been written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann. 

    I've posted this poem before....and do so each time I see or hear these written words.  It is my way of "listening to the universe", and the poem is a nice reminder of how to achieve happiness - if happiness is what is truly desired.   My reminder today came from this source, a truly inspiring video of the words put to music:

    
                            http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/desiderata.php

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                                                                      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 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 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 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 it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
       it is a beautiful world.
       Be cheerful.
       Strive to be happy.