Just recently i received this "text poem" from a dear friend and work colleague Todd... remember, no last names on the blog! we have worked together for years, actually decades, and out of the blue he sent this text to me. Its rare for me to reference poems in this forum but over the last few weeks/months I keep going back to this text and re-reading with different frames of reference.
At certain moments I have reflected on it through a lens of a busy ( stressed) business leader. At other moments I have seen it though the eyes of parent, or a spouse; regardless of perspective I keep coming back to it and "re-thinking" my take on the poem and finding new points of inspiration and impact. Earlier today, flying west for my work, I read it once again and was struck by a specific set of "stanzas" toward the end of the poem:
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.
This admonition to "nurture strength" hit me like a ton of bricks. I have been on a heavy pull over the past few months ( in honesty almost 4 years since the summer of 2019) and the business challenges that lie ahead need my focus and "strength" now more than ever. The idea that "many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness" is a truth that I can relate to.... and one that I want/need to work against. I am part of an amazing team, an amazing family and am part of incredible communities here in California and at home in Atlanta.... I am not alone and need to remind my self, and be refreshed by that important truth. The admonition to "be gentle with yourself" is so helpful and healthy to "hear." We all hold ourselves up to very high standards and expectations and we need to remember that we are all "children of the universe," working hard to do our best and we don't always get it all right.... we need to give ourselves some room and space in this crazy walk of life.
A big thank you to my friend and work partner Todd for his sharing this inspiring document. Take a read of the complete text below and I know you will find some nuggets of inspiration to bring into your life at work or at home... and I will keep it handy for future "re-readings" without a doubt!
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.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927
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