New Year! New Me?
Every year around this time, I once again take stock of my priorities for personal growth and, in general, my best take on how I can achieve them.
That might seem a bit wishy-washy … what with no timeline or any specific target dates … but that’s how I deal with it. Things have to inspire me.
“And the sign said: The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
and tenement halls”– Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel
So, my 2014 “strategic plan” includes a “blast from the past”: the timeless ‘Desiderata’.
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
(Talk less and listen more.)
“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. ”
(That`s how you do it.)
“Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.”
(Yep!)
“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. ”
(Recently, my new book, ‘The Music In Me’, was published. At first, I wondered: Who am I to think that I can write a book? I asked this of an international best seller author who graciously replied. Her advice was that it`s pointless to compare your writing to others … to write with honesty and with as much skill as you have … adding that the more you do it, the better you get at it. I sent her a copy.)
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. ”
(“Without love, where would you be right now?” – Long Train Runnin’ by the Doobie Brothers)
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. ”
(“Lighten up while you still can, don’t even try to understand” – Take it Easy by the Eagles)
“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. ”
(“And I think to myself / what a wonderful world” – by Louis Armstrong)
