Well, hello there! It's been a while! School has been particularly busy lately, but spring break is providing me with a minor reprieve, so here I am. I feel grateful to have a moment to return home with myself through writing, so thank you for reading.

My brother shared this poem with me and although it's old, this was the first time I read it.

Desiderata

by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amidst 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 or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Strive to be happy.

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.

I think this poem is so beautiful and it has such pure wisdom. I plan to post it on my bedroom wall because it's amazing how it feels like everything I believe in and everything I need to remember. 

I can't pick a favorite line in this poem because they're all so rich, but the reminder to not compare yourself to others resonates with me strongly right now. I find this difficult because I am competitive, and I want to be the best at everything; I've always had an insatiable appetite for achieving.

In fact, when my mom asked me if I wanted to do ballet at age 5, I (apparently) said, "Only if I'm good at it." 

After every class, I would ask her how I did and if I was the best in the class. 

Even now, I always to want to be the smartest, fittest, most enjoyable to be around, etc. etc. etc. and I need to accept that despite my desire to have it all, be it all, and do it all--I can't. I'm human and so are you.

It's important to let go of any unrealistic expectations you hold on yourself and forgive yourself for not upholding the impossible.

If you feel that your efforts are lacking ask yourself if it's because you can truly do better and are capable of doing so without compromising the balance of your life demands......or if it's because you have an unrealistic idea of what your life is supposed to look like, who you should be, or what you should be doing.

Remind yourself that there is "no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should" and to "be at peace" while holding this gentle trust in your heart.