Desiderata & Lily for Lunch

Go placidly amidst 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 vexatious 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 shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy

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“The sexiest woman is this world need not be the most beautiful. Nor nubile. Not to me. She merely needs to radiate a cultivated a sense that she perfectly comfortable with herself. I have always found such women irresistable.

I don’t believe it’s possible for any thinking man not to be stirred by such a woman.

This afternoon I met Lily for lunch. I arrived earlier than usual, but she was already there – she didn’t notice me. As she was absorbed reading a book. Though I was quiet a distance away from her – I sat down on a table some distance away observing her – all around her there was a heady swirl of perpetual movement, chattering and clatter.

Yet smack right in the middle of this maelstorm, Lily remained perfect calm like a solitary orchid framed against a canvass of lush greenery – as if she stood apart from it all. And as I watch on.

I couldn’t help feeling assaulted by how badly I have treated Lily in these last few days – I reckon it may something to do my over inflated ego and acute inferiority complex in not being able to come to terms she is so much wealthier than I will ever be – with this realization a pure wave of shame swept through me and when she looked up. She smile. At that moment, I realized …she was the most beautiful woman in the world….”