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THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME...

By
Real Estate Agent with Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 CalBRE # 01188158

When my husband and I got married 29 years ago, he brought with him this poster.  A few years ago I framed it. I love its message...even though rumor has it that it was found in a church in 1692, it applies today just as then. It's a wonderful way to start each day, especially in these challenging times.

Desiderada

"Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or 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 council 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 healthy 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy."

Author Unknown although some maintain that this piece was written by Max Erhmann 

 Paula Swayne

 Windermere Dunnigan Realtors

4215 Freeport Blvd

Sacramento CA 95822

Direct phone 916 425-9715

Office phone 916 454-5753

www.PaulaSwayne.com

Comments(15)

Kelly Kilpatrick
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Broker-Associate

This is loaded with so many good points that it could seriously broken down into 10 separate posts.  I think the one that speaks the loudest to me right now is "And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul."

 

Dec 22, 2008 01:41 PM
Linda DeRusha
Coldwell Banker Advantage - Garner, NC
Broker/Realtor, ABR,ASP,CDPE

Paula,

Thank you for this lovely post. This could be great instruction for the best way to live life.

BE GOOD TO OTHERS

DON'T BE SO COMPETITIVE

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE

GROW OLD WITH GRACE

BE AT PEACE INSIDE YOUSELF

BE CHEERFUL

BE HAPPY

PEACE BE WITH YOU

Dec 22, 2008 01:53 PM
John Mulkey
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru

Hi Paula, Yes Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann, an Indiana poet.  I have a copy of the book which shows a copyright date of 1927.  I too, have enjoyed the poem which, as you may know, was incorporated into a song in the late 60s or early 70s.

Dec 22, 2008 01:55 PM
Dean Moss
Dean's Team - Keller Williams Realty Partners Chicago IL - Chicago, IL
Dean's Team Chicago IL Real Estate Team

Paula -

This is the GOLDEN RULE - though a lenghty read!

Happy Holidays, and Live By It!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Dec 22, 2008 02:05 PM
Valerie Springer
Benchmark Mortgage nmls 2143 - Birmingham, AL
Home Loan Officer AL, FHA, VA, Conventional and Re

This is great advice.  Wisdom is what I pray for daily.  Thank you for sharing this and I wish you the best in 2009.

Dec 22, 2008 02:08 PM
Jim Lee & Janet Holt Edmond Oklahoma Luxury Home Realtors
EXIT STRATEGIES REALTY - Edmond, OK

Powerful stuff!! Thanks for sharing.

Dec 22, 2008 02:09 PM
Paula Swayne
Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA
Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Kelley!
I am with you...each time I read it, it seems to be speaking to me about whatever is concerning me that day.  It is quite amazing.

Hi Linda!
Nicely summarized!

Hi John!
Thanks for the clarification. My husbands poster is where the "found in a church" quote came from.  I love it even if it was said a duck!

Hi Dean!
The Golden Rule is actually part of our office policy manual and is what I have been raised by.

Hi Valerie!
Me too...and sometimes, when the world gets just a little too loud, it lets me hear a little better.

Hi Jim and Janet!
I agree...so simply said and so much to hear!

Dec 22, 2008 03:21 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Paula, I love this!  It's so perfect in these very funky but promising times!  Thanks!

Dec 22, 2008 03:49 PM
Paula Swayne
Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA
Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Patricia!
I'm glad you enjoyed it...it does give solace in times such as Fortune magazine saying our area is the 5th worst in the nation! ;o)

Dec 22, 2008 04:49 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good Morning Paula, Yes that does hold true even today. Love it! Thanks for sharing with us...

Wishing you and yours, Peace and Prosperity in 2009

and a very

Merry Christmas

Dec 22, 2008 06:11 PM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I, too, once had this poster hanging on my wall. It was 1968. Right next to a poster of Jimi Hendrix.

Merry Christmas, Paula!

Elizabeth Weintraub Land Park Real Estate Agent in Sacramento

Dec 24, 2008 02:24 AM
Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy."

Now THAT'S some words to live by! I need some peace in my soul and more of a strive to be happy and not so stressed out. Looking forward to a quick trip to the beach on New Years for some "soul time."

 

Dec 26, 2008 01:03 PM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Hi Paula, I used to have this poster and still think the words are meaningful to this day. I have been busy but PROMISE to get to that meme today! Have a great weekend!

Dec 27, 2008 12:06 AM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

That is a lovely poem and every home should have a copy of it framed and in a prominent place for all to see and live by! I plan to do that !

Dec 27, 2008 12:15 AM
Bob Haywood
McGraw Realtors - Owasso, OK
BobHaywood.com

Paula,

Awesome piece!  Mind if I print it off and put it in my office?

Bob H.

Dec 30, 2008 12:36 AM