How is it that I always end up regretting other people's poor decisions?

I am beginning to feel as though I may be one of the last people on earth who thinks sex should mean more than temporary physical gratification.

Can you rationalize everything so that nothing seems as bad as it actually is?

Is denial a self-preservation mechanism or a path to self-destruction?

Are expectations useful? Or do they just set us up for disappointment?

Does it always have to get worse before it gets better?

Can you ever change someone else's mind?

... Don't worry about me.

I am sure many of you are familiar with "Desiderata" it is a personal favorite of mine. I keep a copy of it in beautiful calligraphy from Ireland on my desk and refer to it often. It is such a peaceful reminder of life.

Which part is your favorite?

Go placidly among 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 the 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 vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter because there are always 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 buisness 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 disenchangment 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 sheild 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, drugery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful.

STRIVE TO BE HAPPY.

(found in the Old Saint Paul's church. Baltimore, County Cork, Ireland. Dated 1692)

That's your problem! You don't want to be in love. You want to be in love in a movie.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I ask you a question you have likely often heard in English, but rarely (if ever) heard in Irish (Gaelic):

An bhfuil tú ar meisce fós?

Hint:

If the answer is no, then my response is: "why not?!"

If the answer is yes, then my response is: "Slainte!"