"You're the last of your kind, Mona Lisa. With a wink of your eye, make it all right. Oh, there's more left to life, Mona Lisa."

I was talking with a very close, beloved friend the other night and she mentioned (still after two years) how much she loves a poem I gave her as part of a graduation gift. Desiderata, meaning "Things Desired" in Latin, is the most perfect poem. As she was reminding me of this, I realized how I hadn't uploaded it on here yet. In fact, I'm quite surprised that I haven't.

No matter who you are or where you are at in life, this poem pertains to you. It is applicable to every imaginable situation you could find yourself in (and I'm speaking from personal experience here). It's taped to my bedroom at home and I have a copy for college. It was included in all of my friend's graduation gifts. I want to bold my favorite parts, but that would result in me highlighting every single line.

So here it is, and I hope it brightens your day, everyday.

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 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 interest 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 is it 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 imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome disciple, 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.