COMMITMENT
Until
one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always
ineffectiveness,
concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).
There is one elementary truth the
ignorance of
which
kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one
definitely
commits oneself, then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one
that
would
never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events
issues
from
the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen
incidents
and meetings and material assistance which no [person] could have
dreamed
would have come his [or her] way.
Whatever you can do or dream you can,
begin
it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it
now.
Goethe
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 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
tress 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 labours 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.