#HappyThanksgiving!

Short posting today because we're traveling and visiting and .... For the past several years we've struggled with a growing sense of anger and disappointment, not necessarily in that order. We remember Jack and Bobby Kennedy who, though not faultless, seemed to us to bring more integrity to politics than we've seen in a long time, especially the past three years or so. On the other hand, we're watching more and more politics of inclusion and "Green New Deals," which we see as signs of hopefulness for which we should be and are thankful. All of this lands us in a place where we believe the best Happy Thanksgiving wishes we can share today were written by someone else, some time ago, when we were young and the world seemed to be a very different place. The following thoughts seem more valuable and appropriate each and every day these days. Wishing you and yours and theirs the best on this Thanksgiving and the days to come.

wild turkey, once almost our national symbol

Photo by J. Harrington

Max Ehrmann

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 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 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 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

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