Strive to be Happy by Dave LaRue

"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." – Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn is still one of my favorite entrepreneur motivational coaches. He passed away in 2009, but so much of what he has written and talked about over the years is still so meaningful. I was lucky enough to attend one of his seminars when I was only 19 years old, and it truly was life-changing for me. So for this newsletter I thought it very appropriate to start off with one of my all-time favorite quotes of his.

I’d also wanted to share with you one of the most meaningful life poems I've ever read. I’m sure many of you have read “Desiderata.” It was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, but it wasn’t until the early 1970s that it gained worldwide attention.

Enjoy …

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 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 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 critical 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

Thanks a billion for all your support. We appreciate you very much!

Cheers Dave