strive to be happy

This is a well read piece by Max Ehrmann, 1927. Exceptionally well written.  I am a fan.

 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 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 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 not this 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.


--- Max Ehrmann, 1927

putting cancer in its place

What are my options?


I could be a paranoid schizophrenic and live in fear of a recurrence every minute for the rest of my life.  I could go to the other extreme and deny it so completely, that I never allow the possibility of recurrence to enter my brain... and live in secret fear that if I do allow the possibilty to surface, then the cancer will come back.


I have been through days of both these extremes.


Sometimes, in some languages, there are words that just cannot be translated because you cannot capture the essence of the word in any other language.

My word, after all this vacillating between, 'I'm going to die' and 'I'm going to live forever'.... is g-a-t-v-o-l.

So, this is my resolution... It is gone. I pray that it doesn't come back.  I will live each day normally and maybe a little crazily. I will not be paranoid about every little pain, wondering if it's come back (although sometimes, I may fall off this wagon... and that's ok, as long as I hop right back on), and if it does decide to make a reappearance, I will do what I have to do and I will manage.  And I am tremendously grateful to the Almighty for guiding me to this space, where I am OK.

I will also try to be as healthy as I possibly can be, by doing my best to make good decisions regarding my food, body and environment.

I am surrounded by people who inspire me on a daily basis and I am so thankful.

four years

It was my fourth wedding anniversary yesterday. I am so fortunate to be married to an amazing guy who has been my rock through this hectic past year.


Love you Rob.

Inspired

This post is dedicated to Aunty Sieda (Fuzlin's mom) from across the vlei, who inspired me to pick up my virtual pen and continue writing - and who brings this saying to mind...

'Every now and then beautiful angels appear, cleverly disguised as human beings'

Entrance to the Grand Mosque in Medina - captured by Aunty Sieda last week.