Isn't that sad? We all laugh at sites like FML, we all like hearing about bad things that happen to other people, but we can't appreciate the good things? There are stories on GMH about little kids doing amazing things for charities, about people who were given a month to live and are still alive a decade later and all you can say is 'pass me the sick bucket'? Are we really that malicious that we can laugh at the awful things that happen to people, but we can't even smile when someone does something that means the world to someone else? I even like reading the little things, like the people who pay for the coffee for the person behind them. It makes me happy to know that there are kind people, and there are people who appreciate that kindness. It makes me happy to know that the world isn't all doom and gloom, and good things DO happen.
But it makes me angry to realise that there are people who are so opposed to being a little sentimental, people who can't even let other people have a little optimism once in a while.
On a more positive note, I'd like to share with you one of my favourite poems. I was going to do either 'favourite songs' or 'songs I'd like at my funeral' the other day, but I'll do that another time.
This is a well-known one, and you'll probably at least be familiar with the first line.
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.
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-- Max Ehrmann
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