These are the words I have tired to live by for almost 20 years.
Some years I have been better at it then others.
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.
Always looking to meet new people and become reacquainted with long lost friends.
I'm saying you've already done plenty of things to regret,
you just don't know what they are.
It's when you discover them, when you see the folly in something you've done,
and you wish that you had it do over,
but you know you can't, because it's too late.
So you pick that thing up,
and carry it with you to remind you that life goes on, the world will spin without you,
you really don't matter in the end.
Then you will gain character,
because honesty will reach out from inside and tattoo itself across your face.
-The Big Kahuna
Deadwood. Rome.
Sometimes a Great Notion. Right now I am reading Jared Diamond's Collapse. No Country for Old Men. Heart of Darkness
My Son Cassady! My Dad & Mom, Ken Kesey