Some weeks, doing the This Was A Good Week feature are harder than others -- this week was one of those weeks. Between Charlottesville and Barcelona, the madness of the world seems to be spiraling out of control.

As I was searching for random good moments around the web to share with you this week, my thoughts kept turning to the poem Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. I first heard this poem when I was a child -- younger than Alex even, about 11 or 12 years old. I'm not a huge poetry fan, and never have been, but for some reason this one stirred something in me, even back then. I find I think of it whenever I'm feeling unnerved. And even though things right now seem a bit too big for a mere poem to comfort, these words are nonetheless a gentle reminder to keep focused on self-care.

I tend to share this poem on Chookooloonks every few years. Seems now is as good a time as any to do it again.

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.

Heartfelt condolences to those affected by the terror attacks in Charlottesville and Barcelona.

And may we all have a good, peaceful weekend, friends. Even though I didn't share any here this week, may our weekends be filled to the brim with random good moments.