Issue 400 - The Desiderata

Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.

It's the 400th Issue of this newsletter today, more of that later.

I must just quickly tell you how I got on in my first curling competition.
Er, not particularly well in truth.

Towards the end of the first match on Friday evening I could feel the first symptoms of a migraine.
My heart sank as I knew I was looking at 36 hours in bed.
I got to the end of the game, told my team-mates, and set off home.
I got about half way home before the next stage of migraine set in, the vomiting.
What is it with me, sport and vomit?

I then had to drive 15 miles stopping every mile to paint the pavement.
My artistic approach would have to be described as 'scattergun', if you know what I mean.
Mt team mates were reassuringly understanding, and I took no further part in the competition which was frustrating in the extreme, but such is life I guess.
I have written an article about it, which I'll feature in a future issue, but back to today, and it's Issue 400.

I'm also fast approaching 4 years since I started the newsletter, and in the past 399 issues I've waffled and rattled on about the same things - goal achievement, self improvement and wealth creation.
It is amazing how many examples you can see all around, and noting them all for newsletter material has kept me topped up with enjoyment.

I have only used one item not written by me.
I've used it a few times, and I make no apology for it.
I like to feature it every 50 issues, and today is no exception.
Written in 1929, it's a piece of writing chock full of nuggets for a more contented life.
You could take each sentence and absorb it for a week.
Ok, enough from me, here it is:

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The Desiderata
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Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to 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.

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 not this 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 in 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
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
As ever, feel free to email me with your opinions, and as we crack into the next century of issues I wish you,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
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