I am so happy you’re here.
Please make yourself at home. If you were actually here, I’d make you a cup of tea and listen to your story. Since it’s only the internet, you’ll have to make your own tea and I will tell you mine. But, you know, use your imagination and stuff. And also, (please!) tell me your stories. The whole one-way conversation thing is weird.
My story.
Can I be totally honest? Are we good enough friends for that?
I am overwhelmed. I am exhausted. I am an anxiety-ridden hot mess aboard a disaster train headed for a dumpster fire at the bottom of a cliff. And whatever other metaphors we can fit into one sentence. The last several years have been just chaos: lots of extended travel abroad, insane kids sports schedules, insane work schedules, just the regular kind of insanity, some extra weird kinds of insanity, and well…you get the point. My home has taken a hit and every room is right there with me on the disaster train.
So now we’re here and it’s time to get back on track. To turn this ship around. (Okay, yeah, I’m tired of metaphors now. That was the last one. Maybe.)
Little by little, we’re going to make it. Even if there are steps back along the way. I have two little boys and two dogs (which means our lives are dominated by chaos and everything smells like a locker room) which means the going will be slow and hilarity will ensue. But that’s half the joy.
This little section of the internet is here because writing is also therapeutic for me. I am so happy you’ve found it though and very much hope you’ll do this with me. Goodness knows I need the encouragement and I’d love to return the favor.
Desiderata.
Latin, meaning « things wanted or needed ». Which is exactly where I am. Not just the tangible things of decor and fixing faucets and planting gardens. But things like the calm and love and hope and joy and quality time with my children that make a home a sanctuary. If a sanctuary doubled as a circus tent.
Desiderata is also, conveniently, the title of my favorite poem. Written by Max Ehrmann in 1927, it is exactly what I want for you, for me, and for our homes as we do this:
« 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. »
DESIDERATA 