'You are a child of the universe...'

Max Ehrmann's Desiderata.

I always found this good. Lines like, 'Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness' - that puts me to bed if I'm thinking down or mean thoughts; and 'Keep interested in your own career, however humble' - you try something else, for a change; it all goes belly up; you're broke; and you're saved by doing what you already know to do to earn; not to mention 'Avoid loud and agressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit'.

The words are below. If you want to see a typographically neater version, click here or on the image above.

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' means things which are desired)

There is, or has been, a lot of confusion over the copyright for Desiderata. There's a site here discussing it and another here.

However, this page states that it is in the public domain. Anyway, this here is not for profit and many have testified to the help it's given them, so I'm sure the author wouldn't have minded this addition to the chances of someone seeing it.