Joyce Betz
Mother, Scout Leader, School Volunteer, Odessey of the Mind
coach, Librarian, wife, (not necessarily in that order)
Troop 31, Irish Hills Girl Scout Council, Michigan USA
jbetz@voyager.net
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise & 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 & clearly, and list to others,
even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If
you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter, for
there will always be greater & lesser person 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 & 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 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 & 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 careful. Strive to be happy.