'Desiderata' and Our Story
DESIDERATA by Max Ehrmann
"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 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 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from 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 labours 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.”
OUR STORY
Summer 2013: The Spark that Started It All
Imagine this—Piper, fresh out of high school, ready to embrace the wild outdoors as a counselor at a Girl Scout camp nestled in the lush beauty of western Washington. It was here, under the towering trees and starry skies, that Piper discovered lessons she would carry with her for the rest of her life. Campfires became her classroom, where poems, songs, and nature itself taught her the value of simplicity and wonder.
One campfire tradition stood out: the reading of Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. Once a week, the camp gathered around the crackling flames to hear those timeless words, a gentle reminder of the beauty and possibilities life holds. One line, in particular, left an indelible mark on Piper’s heart: "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars." That line became a beacon for her, lighting the way through some of life’s most challenging moments, reminding her to keep going, no matter the odds.
Fast Forward to 2024: Enter Quill and Clarity
The campfire days may be a memory, but the lessons Piper learned are still woven into her life. Since those summers, she’s grown up, gotten married, welcomed a child into the world, and faced her share of storms. Diagnosed with chronic mental and physical health challenges, Piper once again found herself turning to nature for comfort and solutions.
When private health insurance, and thus regular doctor's visits, weren't an option, she rolled up her sleeves and dove into the world of holistic wellness. Through research, trial, and a bit of grit, Piper discovered a blend of natural remedies and modern medicine that were perfect for managing her struggles. She rekindled her connection to the earth and her ancestors, who had long lived in harmony with nature. This newfound balance between earth, spirit, mind, and body became the key to managing her health and finding peace.
Now, Piper is on a mission. With her writing expertise and her passion for holistic wellness, she founded Quill and Clarity to help others discover the benefits of these natural remedies before they become a last resort, as they once were for her. Through her journey, Piper has come full circle—back to that campfire spirit of wisdom and connection—only this time, she’s passing it on through her words, empowering others to find balance and harmony in their own lives and businesses in their holistic wellness marketing.
