It's no surprise I like to dink around on the internets. It's what I do - especially at night. Sometimes I get stuck in a rut and have to forcefully look away from the "news"feed on that one site we're all on. You know which one I'm talking about. So today I went to my favorite baby-related website and looked at baby carriers to torture myself (Didymos Caribe 6.... *drool*), then I went to my birth club and read a few things, then onto the group I hardly ever visit - that whole attachment parenting group. I have mixed feelings about it because I don't believe a binky is a "need" or that breastfeeding at the age of 3 should to be weaned slowly if mom is not okay with that. Respectfully, yes, but if mom is ready and she wants to stop, then we should support her. Way to go, mama, on giving that gift to your child. Really. Breastfeeding is very rewarding and it has health benefits to both mom and babe, and some unintended side effects (hello increased aggression!). But if a mom is ready to wean and her child is 3-years-old, maybe we can pat her on the back and say "Way to go!" on her accomplishment, and let her feel okay if she's ready to stop. That wasn't what I saw the last time I was there and so I was a little timid about going back. But I really wanted to read from like-minded parents because I have missed the last two babywearing meetings, so I went there anyhow. There wasn't much excitement or drama but I did notice that one mom had part of a quote in her signature that really stuck with me. One search engine result later I found its source and I wanted to share it. It's a poem by Max Ehrmann entitled, "Desiderata."

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 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's 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. 

I think we all want almost everything from sayings like this but we get hung-up in the daily grind and need reminders to act mindfully, to think peaceably, and to live purposefully. Let this be my reminder today.