Last Desiderata Blog (Finally!): 12

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

Part of me thinks this is the most poignant message from Desiderata and the prior 11 selections are simply pretty prose.

I study, practice, and read all sorts of interesting things about how we heal and live happier, more connected lives. Reading this today makes me think many answers we’re all seeking may start with the above quote.

In my practice as a relationship therapist, regardless of whether I’m working with parents about how to improve family relationships, a couple, or individual people transitioning to a new stage of life, I naturally integrate this last section of Desiderata. How?

Well, I strive to keep boots on the ground with realism about the pain in peoples’ current situations while holding hope with optimism that healing is possible; happiness is possible. 

We don’t have to be defined by our broken dreams. Often just acknowledging a disappointment, trauma, failure, or mistake (often for the first time out loud) is the first step to creating a realistic and beautiful life. It’s my honor to help people through this journey; one they may have been fearful to step into for many years.

Thank you for reading my take on Desiderata. If you’re new to my blog or want to re-read earlier Desiderata posts, click below for prior posts.