Go placidly amid the noise and haste
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
Be yourself especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity
and disappointment 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 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 it is clear to you or not,
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 it’s sham and drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrman