Six Peeps

April 29, 2007

Words to live by

OK this post has no images. BO-RING… right? Well read this poem. If you can live by these words, you will have peace! I read this poem for the first time the summer of my Junior year of High School. I worked at the golf course (grounds maintenance) at the Air Force Academy (Eisenhower GC, which are two AMAZING 18 hole courses). Anyway I was on a lunch break and I found a piece of crumpled, dirty paper. Being the curious guy I am, I opened it up and it turned out to be a photocopy of this poem. It is the poem I have chosen to live by ever since.

In particular, I have found that the clause of “comparing yourself to others” is the one that has proven most valuable to me in my life. I never compare myself to others, not socially, not professionally. I just want to be me, as cliche’ as it sounds. And I get bothered if I feel someone is comparing themself to me, in the professional world. My work isn’t something I do to impress other photographers. It’s only meant to impress my clients and their families, myself and my peeps.

If you can’t tell by now, I have some personal inspiration for this post today, but it’s all good. Hope you enjoy. I’m going to type it word-for-word instead of cut and paste it, because I want the full effect! I have it practically memorized. Enjoy!

Desiderata (pronounced desirada)

Max Ehrmann, 1927

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, for 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. (EDITORS NOTE: this is harder than it sounds, I do this by being somewhat antisocial among my local photographers, and I don’t know if that’s the healthy approach. I need to think more on this).

Keep interested in your OWN career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exersize caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery (editors note: I HATE 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 perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortue. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatique 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. (Editors note: I don’t really understand this part. Sounds a little creepy, if you ask me.)

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 che happy. (Editors note: duh! that’s easy!)

Well I hope everyone had a great weekend. I sure did! Saturday I started the day with an early am ride on my fixie down to Common Ground Cafe near LODO, shot a GREAT wedding (photos coming) in Boulder, and today I ran the Cherry Creek Sneak, 5 mile run! (photos coming!!!!) Check back tomorrow and the next day, and the next day, and the next day…….

April 29, 2007 |