strive to be happy.

One of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, posted this on her blog last summer.  Sidebar, if you have never read her two [soon to be three!] books, I highly recommend that you head to Amazon and pick up a copy of each.  Here: I'll even give you the links: Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet.  Her newest book, Bread and Wine, comes out April 9, and though I have not read it, I can guarantee it will be amazing.  Her musings and wisdom about life are incredibly relatable; I am sure this will not be the only time I reference her work on this blog.  I often feel like her words describe my soul, which is comforting to know that there is someone else in this world who feels the same about a myriad of topics.  

Back to the poem.  After I read it, I immediately copied the poem onto a "sticky" on my computer home screen.  There is so much truth in this poem, and different parts of it have been an encouragement to me over the past year.  I am now sharing it here so that it can encourage you!

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, 1927.