July 2015 Leadership Reflection

Leadership Reflection for July 2015:

“Desiderata” (a/k/a “Go Placidly”) by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

        “Desiderata” (Latin = “desired things”) is a prose poem that was written by Hoosier author Max Ehrmann, who was a native of Terre Haute, Indiana. This inspirational piece of writing only became famous after Ehrmann’s passing, but over the past seven decades, it has become a widely popular distillation of a hopeful and inclusive philosophy of life. The text reminds us of some of the most important things in life, such as cultivating positive relationships with our neighbors, our world, and ourselves. Herein are golden nuggets of practical wisdom, not only for aspiring leaders, but for everyone, from all walks of life.

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 vexatious

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 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 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.