To all, I wish a most wonderful and happy Christmas, then a happy, safe and prosperous 2022.
Best Wishes
‘Trikki
For me, 2021 has had its challenges with Covid, health in its various forms and of course all those sometimes wonderful, sometimes painful things that make us unique human beings.
At times it has felt that the world has gone mad, that the stability I’d assumed would be there forever has been damaged.
But now as I near the end of 2021 and see the world emerging from its great challenge of the pandemic, I see and feel more hope than in the last so many months.
For 2022 my greatest hope is that we can all consolidate and prosper safely with the new year.
My gift to you : at times when I have struggled to stay positive, the words below come to mind. May they bring you peace.
‘Trikki
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.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Original text
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