Well-Being
“HAPPINESS IN AN OBJECTIVELY WORTHWHILE LIFE”
FINIS
Intending to end on a positive note, the full title of this Sub-Chapter represents the definition of Well-Being, as proposed by Neera K. Bradhwar, Ph.D. WELL-BEING is also the title of her book published in 2014. The book reviews the distant and continuing philosophical origins for understanding the current use of Well-Being as well as for the basis of her own definition, cited above as the title.
What follows represents a uniquely humanitarian view of Well-Being by two North American poets. They are Max Ehrmann from Terre Haute, Indiana in the 19th century and Mary Campbell from Omaha, Nebraska in the 21st century. Lasting healthcare reform must rekindle anew this enduring priority to pursue each person’s human dignity.
“DESIDERATA”
“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 to the helpless and the homeless; 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 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 or Her to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
^
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
Max Ehrmann (1872 – 1945)
“A PLACE CALLED HOPE”
“There was a time when we believed in angels
on rainbows sailing from sun to moon.
Dancing like butterflies in fields of clover,
then it was over all too soon.
We let our dreams be buried,
we let our lives be carried
far from our destination.
Can we go back again and on to a place called hope?
^
Did we grow up or did we just grow older
with colder mem’ries of moments past?
Did we find joy or just security
with no guarantee that it would last?
Can we be more like children,
forgiving and forgiven,
taking a step toward heaven and finding once again,
forever a place called hope.
^
We’re not afraid to shine away
all of the light that comes our way.
Every day there’s another morning.
^
I want to try and find those angels that fly on rainbows.
Whatever way the wind blows,
there’s where you’ll find the door that leads to
a place called hope.
I see it, a place called hope.”
Mary M. Campbell (1947 – 2019)