Why I Created a Desiderata Journal (And Why It May Speak to You Too)

Rosie Davison
Dec 9, 2025
3 min read

Now and then, a piece of writing comes along that doesn’t just pass through your mind—it settles in. It becomes a quiet companion, a guide, a voice that speaks up in the background of daily life. For me, that piece of writing has always been Max Ehrmann’s poem Desiderata.

I first memorised the poem many years ago. I can’t recite every word perfectly anymore, but the lines have woven themselves into my thinking so deeply that they surface whenever I need them most. Sometimes they arrive as a whisper of reassurance. At other times, they’re a gentle nudge back to perspective.

And that is what inspired me to create the Desiderata Notebook Journal for SomeThink Publications.

The Poem That Became a Code to Live By

There’s a reason Desiderata continues to resonate almost a century after it was written. It’s honest. It’s grounding. And it recognises the quiet daily challenges of being human.

Certain lines have stayed with me throughout the years:

“If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain or bitter…” — a reminder to stop measuring my worth by someone else’s highlight reel. And to remain humble and grateful for what I have.
“Listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.” — a call to be present, to be kind, and to pay attention. We all have worth.
“Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.” — a gentle truth that encourages compassion for myself.
“Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.” — a line that gives permission to step away from negativity.
And, of course, the words that start everything: “Go placidly amid the noise and haste…”, which still prompt me to switch off the radio in the car and breathe.

These lines—and others—have followed me for years, guiding me through stress, comparison, uncertainty, and change. They’re simple, but powerful. Practical, but poetic.

Bringing the Poem Into Journals and Planners

When I began working on this journal, I wanted to create something quiet and gentle—something you could hold in your hands and be reminded of the reassuring words.

The result is a Desiderata hardcover notebook featuring a single daisy against a soft charcoal background. It’s slim, elegant, and intentionally understated.

Max Ehrmann's full Desiderata poem appears inside the front cover. Then each page that follows holds one line from the poem, placed thoughtfully at the top. The lines follow sequentially from one day to the next - layering wisdom on top of wisdom.

The idea is simple: let a line of Desiderata quietly shape the tone of your writing, your thoughts, your plans or your day.

Who is This Journal For?

This notebook is perfect for anyone who:

Loves Desiderata or is discovering it for the first time
Wants a mindfulness or gratitude journal or daily planner
Seeks calm and clarity during busy seasons
Enjoys reflective writing
Is looking for a heartfelt, meaningful gift

It’s a companion—not a task list. A guide—not a lecture. A place to breathe—not perform.

Why Desiderata Still Matters

What I love most about this poem is that it isn’t lofty or idealistic. It’s grounded. It recognises struggle, imperfection, and the quiet work of being kind to others and yourself.

It doesn’t ask you to be extraordinary. It asks you to be steady, thoughtful, and real.

And that’s why bringing this poem into a journal felt worthwhile because a line of Desiderata on a page has the power to shift your whole day.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re looking for a journal that supports you, calms you, and brings a touch of timeless wisdom into your writing routine, the Desiderata Notebook & Desiderata Planner were created with you in mind.

Sometimes a single line is all you need to begin again.