I’ve gathered so many quotes on Pinterest, Instagram, on my phone and in my journal about the ways to live a happier life. The little reminders to smile more often, to appreciate the sunshine, to be grateful for what we already have.

All these reminders I’ve pinned for inspiration and motivation get lost in the ether. I make a note of them and I often forget about them. If only I could have all the quotes and reminders in one place.

What if I told you there’s an ultimate guide for happiness?

Well, look no further. Such a poem exists about our desire for happiness. And not just in ourselves, but also in love, business, and in the way we approach life.

Max Ehrmann wrote the poem Desiderata in 1952. It's beautifully written. Desiderata is the way to live a wealthy life: a life rich in happiness and love, not only for ourselves, but also for others.

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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. 

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

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Here's the link to his poem.

Needless to say, Desiderata is the ultimate guide for happiness.

I urge you to print this poem out. Or write it to your journal like I did. Just have it where you can see it. To remind yourself to strive for happiness.

Thank you, Mr. Ehrmann, for writing such a beautiful poem.

And thank you, Christine, for sharing this poem with me. *✧･ﾟ