I dedicate my miles to the memory of a wonderful person — a great friend, brother, father, husband, son, and so much more. My dear brother-in-law, Victor González Nieves (1963-2010). We miss you so much!!

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 to 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 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.

***************

For Barbara Rose, who loved this beautiful poem. Thanks Janet for sharing it with me!

I wish you are already having a great holiday season and that the new year brings health, peace, and purpose to everyone!

Like Oiticica, I think the world is the best museum. I find so many extraordinary things to be inspired by — artists, people, places. I recently learned about the films Pray the Devil Back to Hell and Run for Your Life. I haven’t seen them yet, but I’ve only heard fantastic things about them.

Pray the Devil Back to Hell directed by Virginia Reticker, is a documentary about the story of women that changed the course of the war in Liberia. Run for Your Life directed by Judd Ehrlich, is a documentary about the story of Fred Lebow and the founding of the New York City Marathon.

Stories like these give me the opportunity to keep the warm feeling of inspiration and admiration flowing continuously in my mind and heart.

Photo: Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso wearing Parangolé by Hélio Oiticica.

Top video: Pray the Devil Back to Hell directed by Virginia Reticker.

Bottom video: Run for Your Life directed by Judd Ehrlich.