How to Live an Accomplished Life According to the ‘Desiderata’

Prose that inspires greatness

When I was 13 years old, The Desiderata, magically appeared pinned up on my bedroom wall.

It played a part in igniting my ‘inner philosopher’ as a teenager.

And during those awkward years when I didn’t know how to ask for advice, I would lean on it for some timely wisdom when feeling low or frustrated.

Origins

Desiderata is a Latin word, meaning ‘desired, longed for, sought after.’

American poet Max Ehrmann birthed this prose poem. And it was first published in 1927.

It first gained notoriety from Reverend Fredick Ward Kates in 1956, who inserted Desiderata in a booklet that was widely distributed amongst his parishioners at Old Saint Paul’s Church.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

While I couldn’t sit in silence as a teen, now silence is my greatest teacher. When I sit in silence, magic happens:

Awareness. Realize what I am feeling frustrated about or why I am feeling not quite right.

Self-compassion. I allow myself to feel my feelings.

Meditation. “Just sitting” as in the zen tradition, allows you to go to that place beyond words.

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.

Stand your ground when in a fight, but remember that a person reacts to what something has triggered inside themselves and not because of who you are.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

Wish people no harm but remember to surround yourself with like-minded souls. Who can see the value in the message you share with the world.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

My 96-year-old grandfather told me the worst thing in the world is jealousy. The sage advice he imparted, while simultaneously painting the laundry door, was, “don’t be so darn concerned with what the neighbors are doin’!”

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

When you hustle in the present moment but are fixated on the future, it’s hard to celebrate the wins. Considering they are so few, especially at the start, share your wins with others, as they will give you well-deserved pats on the back.

Keep interested in your 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.

I have cleaned toilets up to being head of the property function for an Italian company. Experience taught me to be fair and think through the consequences of my actions. I repeatedly, over the years, came back in contact with the same stakeholders.

Be bold in striving for advancement; a 6-figure salary could be closer than you think. It was for me.

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.

All the great philosophies and religions, over time, held love to be at the core of their teachings.

People want to know who you are and what you are about. When you are open and trusting of others, it will surprise you how giving people will be. Trust, though, starts with oneself.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Learn from your mistakes. Even better, learn from others’ errors. Peter Pan syndrome is not befitting of a person of grace and style.

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.

Grown into self-sufficiency, this is not stockpiling cans of vegetables in an underground cellar. But more ease comes from meeting your own needs.

While being independent, remember you are a social creature. Personal connection and self-compassion are essential needs.

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.

Don’t wait until you grow old and grey before you slow down and smell the roses. Put forward your best effort and be satisfied with that.

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.

Other thanks, daily, whatever you conceive to be That which cannot be conceived. Peace flows from practicing the ‘Desiderata.’

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Happiness is a path of subtraction. The more you want, the more unhappiness will follow you around.

Thanks, mom, for the little poster you quietly put up on my wall. Guidance and support are secretly provided when you slow down and take notice of what is given.

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