The Desiderata was a poem that was also put to music. It still is one of my favorites.
Leonard Nimoy recited it on his 1967 album “Leonard Nimoy Presents Mr. Spock’s Music from Outer Space”. In 1971, Les Crane’s version of The Desiderata peaked at #8 on the Billboard chart.
The poem was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. He was an Indiana lawyer who lived from 1872-1945. Desiderata is a Latin word which means things to be desired.
I have intended to post it here for weeks, but didn’t. I came across my copy of it as I was sorting through the office. Must be time to share.
Desiderata
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 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 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 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 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.
All original material posted to this site (c) 2013, Julie Marie. All rights reserved.
Photo credits: Wikipedia, NASA.
To keep your balance,
you must keep moving.
~Albert Einstein
