My April 24, 2016 post addressed the question:  “Where to begin?”  It contained two advisory quotes, but yielding little comfort.  Two ancient writers, a philospher and a poet, provided cogent advise on the importance of taking that first step: 

—  “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”  Plato (circa 428 BC – 348 BC) , Classical Greek Philosopher

— “Well begun is half done.”  Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65 BC – 8 BC), familiarly known simply as Horace, a renouned Roman poet in Augustus’ time.   

Both quotes from these ancient proflicic writers provide valuable advice, even in modern times; but neither offer any tips on how to begin a work.  The struggle to begin remains inhibiting.  

Eventually, because of necessity, one must begin any onerous task somewhere.  After begining, then what?  After a cautious move to begin a troublesome task, interest may flag, boredom may surface, difficulty may arise.  When that happens, one can fall back on two other proverbs:  

— “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well”  Philip Standhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773).  

—  “To begin is easy, to persist is an art,” a German proverb of unknown source, which keeps the compass pointed to true north.   

Focus brings any task at hand to eflect on the big picture to reach the ultimate goal.  When starting a new task, where to begin may be problematic, but beginning somewhere, anywhere, remains better than churning, mulling and figiting around without purpose.  Many times when facing a deadline, the writer does not enjoy the luxury of reflection, contemplation, organization.  When the outline does not come easily, the best practice:  Jump in and start, as this action, any action, will start the juices moving in your brain, even if the introductory portion must be totally discarded in the process.

The Declaration of Independence, authored by Thomas Jefferson, refers to “certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of  Happiness.”  We all know what life and liberty means to us, but what constitutes “happiness” may vary with the individual.  How have others pursued happiness?

— “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must be ensued.”  Victor E. Frankl (1905—1997), an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist

 — “Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”  Albert Schweitzer (1875—1965), German theologian, philosopher and physician

Charles Schultz (1922—2000) the beloved author of the popular Peanuts comic strip, followed Schweitzer’s formula and enjoyed much success over a nearly fifty year career.  Schultz developed many themes over his career, including: the Great Pumpkin, Linus’ blanket and Lucy’s psychiatry booth. But Schultz’s “Happiness is . . . “ theme reached reader’s eyes and ears everywhere, and grew into books and television programs:  

— Happiness is a Warm Puppy (Peanuts) by Charles Schultz (1962)

— Happiness is a Sad Song (Peanuts) by Charles Schultz (1967) 

— Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown, TV special by Charles Schultz (2011)

That Peanuts theme generated a “Happiness is . . . “ craze across the country.  People tried to outdo each other to create unique happiness quotes, like:  Happiness is the end of the workweek;  Happiness is a stiff drink;  Happiness is . . . .  Despite all that hoopla, some serious writers believe real happiness stems from love, as in the following quotes to ponder:

— “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”  George Sand (1804—1876), a French novelist.   

— “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”  Victor Hugo (1802—1885), a French novelist and poet

— True happiness comes not from a limited concern for one’s own being, or that of those one feels close to, but from developing love and compassion for all sentient beings.”  The Dalai Lama. 

And where might one find happiness? 

— “Happiness is a place between too much and too little.”  A Finnish proverb.

Worry is a passion which wilts the strongest flower.  Two main categories of worry exist: 

(1)  things that you can do something about, and 

(2)  things that you can do nothing about.  

As for (1), taking some action will reduce the worry; as for (2), why worry about something over which you have no control?  if this seems overly simplified, consider some worthy quotes from a philosopher, a politician, and a psychologist on the subject:

— “What worries you, masters you.”  John Locke, English philosopher (1632—1704)  

The John Locke quote rings true.  Surely, at some time in our lives, we have felt weakened by worry, as by postponing proper action for worry about failure, criticism or ostracism. 

Winston Churchill (1874—1965) , the British Prime Minister during WWI, burdened with much real time worry followed the old proverb:  

— “Action is worry’s worst enemy,” relating:

— “I never worry about action; only inaction.”  

Churchill employed a process for combatting worry:  

— “It helps to write down half a dozen things which worry me.  Two of them, say disappear; about two of them nothing can be done, so it’s no use worrying about them; and two perhaps can be settled.”

An American psychologist, motivation speaker and author, who wrote many self help books, including ‘Your Erroneous Zones”, which sold over 35 million copies, claimed: 

— It makes no sense to worry about things you have no control over because there’s nothing you can do about them, and why worry about things you do not control?  The activity of worrying keeps you immobilized.”  Wayne Dyer (1940—2015)

Worry bogs a person down, bringing fatigue and immobilization.  Three more quotes puts worry in proper perspective:

— Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry . . .”  Dale Carnegie (1888—1955)

— Worry is like a rocking chair: it give you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”  Erma Bombeck, American humorist (1927–1996)

— Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff.  Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.”  Dr. Robert S. Eliot, cardiologist.

Lastly, when you feel that dark cloud of worry approaching, reach back and sing the number one Billboard Top 100 chart song (1988) recorded by Bobby McFerrin:

— Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”  

We live in a hectic world!  To keep pace, the average worker must undergo stress to get the job done, as well as bearing up against the morning and evening rush hours, which  bring insufferable traffic.  Few tasks qualify as less stressful than desiring to get from A to B quickly while trapped in slow or no moving lines. At day’s end, the stressed out worker cannot wait to get home and relax — often with a comforting drink of spirits to calm oneself.  Departing earlier in the morning or staying later in the afternoon remains an unacceptable option to skirt the twice daily rat race.

So, what is a body to do?   The American journalist, Sydney J. Harris (1917—1986), took a observant view respecting when to relax:

—“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”

During the snarled commute, one could listen to soothing music, engage in a book on tape, or transfer the morning shower singing on the road to take one’s mind off the snail paced commute.  Upon reflection, Harris’ words make a lot of sense, for at times our life seems like juggling multiple puff balls in a stiff wind.  Scheduling a break to relax, or simply breathing deep a few times in a serene setting, will provide needed energy and focus to continue. 

The stress of the day does not end with the commute to work, for unexpected problems or tight deadlines add pressure to the day.  Dr Joyce Brothers (1927—2013) provided some cogent advice:

—“ No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.”

One might challenge Dr Joyce’s prescription with “How can I take a break during a crisis?”  Take a walk to the water cooler, do a quick turn at the gym, inhale a few deep breaths to slow things down.  An old Aesop Fable conclusion:   

—“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” 

One of the ubiquitous Chinese proverbs adds:  

—“ Tension is who you think you are; relaxation is who you are.”  

Lastly, I refer to an oft quoted sentiment, attributed to professional golfer, Walter Hagen (1892—1969.):

—“Stop and smell the roses along the way,”

Misery defined: “a state or feeling of great stress or discomfort of mind or body; a cause or source of great distress or discomfort.”  (dictionary.com)   At some time in everyone’s life, misery arises and imposes a crippling experience.  Usually, misery emanates from a myriad of self-imposed fears.  And when we encounter misery, we know that: 

— “Misery loves company”  (John Ray, English naturalist (1627–1705.)  

But does it have to be that way?  Miserable people adopt a “woe is me” attitude, and need to discuss it with someone; i.e., company, most likely a confident or loved one.  Consider three more quotes:

—  “Misery loves company, but company does not reciprocate.”  Addison Mizner, American architect (1872—1933)

—  “If misery loves company, misery has company enough.”  Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher (1817— 1862  )

—  “Misery no longer loves company.  Nowadays it insists on it.”  Russel Baker, American newspaperman and Pulitzer Prize author (b1925)  

How does one rid ourselves from misery, in ourselves and others? A psychologist opines that a person can avoid misery through a technique called simply, “avoidance.”  For example, if you are out of shape, avoid exercise so you will not be reminded of your poor physical condition; if you have a personal conflict, avoid that person and the conflict will vanish; if you feel anxious about attending parties populated with unknown people, stay home and you will avoid the anxiety it brings. (How to Stop the Number One Cause of Most Human Misery by Jim Fazio with Ronald Siegal, PsyD, www.jimfazio.com)  

Though the avoidance scheme may work temporarily to avoid misery, it certainly is not the best long term approach.  Perhaps, confronting the misery source toward overcoming or eliminating the problem may be a better objective.  If possible, instead of problem avoidance try self-preoccupation avoidance — thinking outwardly instead of inwardly.  Just take a few deep breaths, and give it a whirl.  In short, do the thing you fear, as prescribed by Emerson. 

—“Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, American philosopher  (1803—1882)      

Though easier said than done, if misery can avoid “avoidance,” misery will no longer need to love company. 

When researching what to do for fun, one may consider checking out the seven deadly sins, also known as the Capital Sins, for potential opportunities.  Sins, of course, remain taboo and could adversely affect one’s best welfare; but we all know that “to err is human,” so lets examine each in turn.  To avoid pitching any favorites, I will list them in alphabetical order: Anger, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Pride, and Sloth.  Look them over, and see if any pique your interest.

For one seeking fun, however, we can immediately strike three from the list for failing to yield some pleasure.  

— Anger is unpleasant, not only for the actor, but for everyone around.  

— Envy causes us internal grief because someone else enjoys some thing or some person unavailable to us.  No fun here!  

— Sloth entails total laziness, a bump on a log, which may be attractive for a short time, as in situations when one is overworked or devoid of leisure time; but overall, it contributes little to one’s happiness and ultimately impinges unfavorably on one’s self worth.  

Accordingly, after removing three of the capital sins for an insufficient pleasure attraction, we can divide the four remaining into two couplets:  

— Pride and Greed entice the ego and bank account, respectively; one causing an internal glow about how important or wonderful one is; the other causing an accumulation of wealth, presumably more than we need and mostly at the expense of others.  Though these may evoke some pleasure, pride makes one a bore; greed, a miser, which is one letter away from misery.  Thus, we have struck down five, with one couplet remaining.  

— Lust and Gluttony appeal to the human senses, and consequently may qualify as the most popular, evoking the notorious Bacchanalian precept: “Eat, Drink and be Merry,” an attractive lure for pleasure seekers. 

A careful examination, therefore, elevates Lust and Gluttony to the top of the list.  If that makes you angry because you are envious of a self absorbed roué’, sit on it in sloth.  It’s nothing to be proud about, and will not add a farthing to your assets.  In addition, pleasurable participation yields an important bonus:  limiting ones sinful activities to Lust and Gluttony avoids having to atone for 71.4% (5/7) of the Capital Sins.