On This Day

On this cold, bleak mid-winter day

I am declaring myself DONE

with the self-improvement cycle.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME!!!

I don't need or want to be 'better every day'

because that implies that today I am not good enough.

I don't want to read any more books

or take any more classes or seminars.

I will not succumb to the marketing strategies

that want me to believe I am lacking.

(And profit by telling me so.)

My life is rich, magical, abundant, healthy, wealthy, worthy...just as it is.

I am taking my magic wand of happiness and waving it 

over every person/place/thing 

that wants to get in the way 

of my believing and embracing 

these truths of my being...

every single moment of every single day.

This is me,

and I am a child of the Universe,
no less than the trees and the stars.

  

* * * 

Desiderata
~ by Max Ehrmann

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 vexatious 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.

*Yoga photo courtesy of World Peace Yoga Jubilee ~ October 2010