One of my favourite ever pieces of writing...

And as always, I can't just whack this up here without any background at all. 'Tis a long story. (When have you ever heard me say - it's a short story?).

This used to be printed on a teatowell that hung in my grandmothers kitchen. It was years and years later that I found it printed in a book and it had a bit of background about Max Erhmann (author) of it. He and I were born on the exact same day - 100 years apart.

Regardless of the spooky birth symmetry , this has always had resonance for me, and I refer to it as my spiritual touchstone:

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 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 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 its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.