Sorry for the depressing-ness of my last post. I’ve been really stressed about all that for a while and I just needed to get it off my chest a little. Sorry for being so negative. I usually try to stay positive on here and in general, but I guess sometimes its good to speak your feelings. It reminds everyone else that no one is perfect, we all have struggles. So anyway, mine are no where near resolved, but I’m tired of thinking about them right now. It’s the weekend! I do want to thank everyone for all the advice they gave me, it is nice to know who is there when you need them. Anyway, I’m going to relax and enjoy the nice weather. Here are some pictures I took while walking to class yesterday: (sorry for the low quality–my phone takes crappy pictures and I didn’t have my camera with me)

My dad called me last night and read me this poem. He said he had heard it a long time ago and written it down. It was funny listening to him read it because he read it in his wedding voice–he usually always reads at least one poem at the weddings he does. It was just what I needed, a little cheer and a smile and support. The poem is good general life advice for anyone:

Desiderata (Latin for “things to be desired”)
written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s

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 to the dull and the 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 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 in your soul.

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