Chanakya About Politics

A permanent relationship is dependent on particular purpose (or wealth).


Every relationship has one or the other motive behind it. Friendship or enmity is not purposeless. Oneness of motive is turned into friendship. While diversity of motive cause enmity. Royal relationships also depend upon one or the other purpose. But such relations are mainly for the welfare of the state.

A friend, even if he be the enemy’s son, should be protected.


This sutra gives example about the purpose of relationship. A son of enemy, who wants to uproot his own father, should be treated as friend and should be protected. This may be called opportunism but is and should be necessary part of polity and statesmanship. Moreover, if a father is not an upright man to have friendship with his son can be a meritorious person. So it is better to protect him.

Till the enemy’s weakness is known, he should be kept on friendly terms.


Everybody has same or the other weakness. This is also a general tendency to conceal the weaknesses. For people may not harm for these, but they will surely ridicule or make fun of. Friendship, of course feigned should be retained with enemy till his weakness is known. Let him remain elated.

An enemy should be struck at his weak point.


Once the weak point of enemy is known, he should be reined by striking on that. Chanakya is offering here a fool proof method of devastation of enemy. T here is not place of showing mercy on him.

One’s weakness should not ever be revealed.


Everybody tries not to reveal his weaknesses, so that he may not be ridiculed. Especially before the enemy. One’s weak points should not be revealed. Because one can strike on those to ruin us. So one should remain strong before the enemy.

Enemies strike at weak points.


It is natural for enemy to attack on the weaker side of the adversary.

Even a captured enemy is not to be trusted.


A ruler wishing to win should not trust a captured enemy even if he may be extending had to be friend. Because deep rooted enmity, however, concealed, will rarely come to light.

The disgrace of one’s people brings sorrow to the Nobel minded.


The demerits of our own people bring infamy. Their disgrace is our own disgrace. That is why infamy so such people really hurt. It is desirable that the ruler or the administrator may work in a way that such disgraceful conduct may not occur.

Defect in one’s limb ruins a man.


If one limb of the body is defected or inflicted with, disease, the whole feels the pain. Some way if any department, minister or official of the state is faulty, the whole country is affected. An administrator should try hard to curb it.

Good behaviour wins even an enemy.


If people of one’s own side have good conduct, it adds power to oneself. The misconduct on the contrary renders one powerless. The enemy takes advantage of it. A skilled statesman never allows enemy to win over.
The low minded are fond of deception the nature of low-minded people never changes.
No amount of advice changes his attitude. He does not list to good advice. Rather he gets angry.

A low-minded person should not be given good advice.


Nikrti means deceptive behavior; the nature of a low minded person is fraudulent. They always like to ridicule god person. Breach of trust is natural for a wicked. That is why this Chanakya quote enjoys indirectly saving oneself from them.

They (low-minded) ones should never be trusted.


Low minded people are fraudulent, wicked and cheat. They should not be trusted. To have faith in low minded ones is mistake in policy and useless because they are not trustworthy. An administrator should not invited calamity by trusting the low minded ones.

Evil person causes harm even if treated will.


How well u treat the wicked people, they do not give up their wickedness. They derive pleasure in hurting others. A serpent made to drink milk, it ejects poison only.

The forest fire burns even tree like sandalwood.


The fire of the forest burns trees to ashes. Even expensive sandalwood tree which is endowed with qualities of cooling and fragrance, cannot escape from burning. In the same way wicked cause harm to their benefactors also.

Fire, even if put on head, burns only.


Wicked ones are like fire. Even if you on heat, they burn only. They do not leave unhurt even their well – wishers and benefactors.

No one should ever be disrespected.


This sutra enjoins a rule of morality. It says nobody should be disrespected. A man can impress everybody by his virtues. Disrespecting others means downfall of our own virtues. A person who disrespects others, in a way disrespect himself. A virtuous man does not disrespect his friend or vein his enemy. Disrespect to enemy can investigate him to react. The best thing is to destroy him completely. For a ruler this is very important.

One who is to be pardoned should not be harassed.


To pardon unworthy and to not pardon the worthy shows thoughtlessness. To pardon the worthy shows thoughtlessness. To pardon is humanitarian quality. But as far as the royal duty is concerned the ruler has to exert his judiciary powers in deciding who is to be punished and who is to be pardoned Chanakya relates that a criminal insignificant offence should always be forgiveness.

Considering the forbearance of a person, Do not harass him.  


A tolerant person should not be harassed. The subject or the ruled ones generally is loyal to the ruler. The people take to revolt when they are helpless. The duty of the ruler is that his humble people may not take to revolt being suppressed by his bad polity. Considering the forbearance of the subject, do not ill behave with them so that they may feel oppressed.

The foolish wish to speak out what was spoken in secret by the master.


Chanakya is referring there to the prohibition of entry of the untrustworthy in the counsel-room. Disloyal persons foolishly speak out the secrets of the counsel not knowing the harmful effects of the same. Disclosing the secrets of the counsel mars the welfare of the country.

Love is indicated by deeds (and not by words)


Love or affection towards an individual or nation, is indicated by good action snot merely be words.  The adoration towards nation is expressed by works of welfare equally done by the ruler and the ruled.  The ruler himself must be engaged, in welfare of the country and also should select officials examining their involvement with the public god. Self-cantered people greedy of the power should be kept away

Fate being unfavorable (or without god’s grace, even an easy task becomes difficult to accomplish)


Easiest tasks become difficult to accomplish if the destiny is unfavorable. But Chanakya does not consider any task impossible. Extra handwork and diligence make possible a difficult task even if fate may be unfavorable for a while.
(Before starting a task) a wise man should think of (the interest of) place and time. Indian Political Pundit Chanakya stresses again and again that wise man should examine place and time before starting a new task.

Prosperity last long for one who acts after proper consideration.


A person or a ruler who executes his plans (of public welfare) after due consideration, the prosperity stands with him for a longer period.

All types of riches should be amassed by all means.


For the protection of state and welfare of the people, a ruler should collect all types of wealth. By suing devices of sama, dama , danda, bheda , he should increase income of the state, strong administration helps in collecting different type of taxes for exchequer.

Prosperity forsakes even a Lucky one, if he acts without foresight.


A man or a ruler should always take up a task after thoroughly considering its consequences. Otherwise fate also cannot protect his wealth.

Examination (of a thing) should be done with reference to what is known and what is to be inferred.


By one’s own experience (or knowledge) and by one’s logical power, the consequence of a particular task should be examined. By doing this there remains no chance of failure.

Knower of the means makes impossible tasks also possible.


The ruler should employ person in tasks according to their abilities because Knower’s (or the means) and efficient employees make impossible tasks also possible.

Task performed by an unintelligent person should not be rated high.


Sometimes coincidentally an unintelligent person can accomplish a task but that does not mean that he is a know er of means and device or is experienced. A ruler should be careful enough to designate other tasks to such persons.

Chanakya About Student Life

1. Never Stop Learning


There is so much more to learn, to explore and to do in life that it is a never ending process. It is only through learning can you acquire wisdom over the years. However, the day you decide you know everything, you will stagnate.


2. Acquiring knowledge


Learning must never stop. One should always consider self a student. Our world is huge and the possibilities are numerous. Therefore, there is always something new or a first time for something. Until you try, you won’t know and when you do try or experience something that is when you learn.

3. Confronting life


It is safe to stay that we are all students in this journey of life. Our experiences are our teacher, the obstacles, hurdles and rejections our tests. The good things in life are our medium to prepare the thesis of our life approach

Importance

When There is wealth a little effort accomplishes the task.

If the treasury is full of wealth, the plans for social benefit can be executed easily. Mere handwork does not bear fruit or we can say a person without means is unable to accomplish his tasks. Efforts and wealth both are needed for attaining objects of life.

A task in which a suitable device is used is not difficult to achieve.

However, difficult may be the tasks, proper effort endowed with suitable device can always accomplish it. A ruler should be use seven devices (like Sama, Dama Danda Bheda, Upeksha and indrajal) to accomplish a tasks as the case may be. In personality also one has to first ascertain about the means of accomplishment and then start doing it.

Without an expedient , a task even if attempted, fails.

If one attempts a task without ascertaining the proper expedient, one may fail. Proper contrivance is necessary to succeed in venture.

Expedient is the aid to those who seek success in undertakings.

For success in undertakings, contrivance is very important. Also the pros and cons of the same should be well ascertained. Thus expedient is the only if for those who strive for success in their tasks.

A task attains its objective through human effort.

When a person determines to perform a task, it becomes his objective. Then he puts best of efforts to accomplish it. While performing, a truly active person does not care for its fruit (failure or success), He goes on doing hard-work. It is an accepted truth that hard work always pay.

Fortune follows human-effort.

Luck follows human effort. One just sitting for things to happen does not obtain anything. It is only the laborious and diligent who gets success. Man’s efforts should be related to present only He should not depend upon past or destiny

One who is not calm and collected cannot earn one’s livelihood (or accomplish one’s tasks).

One dependent upon destiny hardly gets means to lead life. A lazy and unbalanced person’s life becomes futile

Thoughts

The mother and a shikshak(Student) have the ability to bring about the revolution. If they desire, they can change the future of the current generations. They can play a bigger role in making the character based society that holds esteem values and principles. If they desire, they can even throw out the powerful kings.
                                                                                                         - CHANAKYA

lesson

**********************************************
........After a major defeat in battle Chandragupta  came to Acharya Chanakya; reported him the status and asked for some advice.
Acharya looked at him for a few seconds and told him to have some food before having a discussion. Chandragupta said that he was in no mood for the dinner because he was very uncomfortable/depressed after the defeat.
Acharya insisted and pointed his finger towards the plate. Looking at the serious gesture of Chanakya; Chandragupta could not resist anymore.
Chandragupta sat down for dinner and suddenly Chanakya said “I have thought of a wonderful plan; finish the food fast”.
The rice in the plate was very hot and Chandragupta found it quite difficult to pick that up with his hands. He nearly burnt his mouth and fingers in a desperate attempt.
Chanakya was watching him carefully and suggested that he must pick the rice from the corners instead of digging from the center. After finishing the dinner they both sat for the discussion.
Chandragupta said “So, Acharya, what you suggest for the victory”
The Kautilya (Chanakya) replied “The lesson is all-ready been taught “.

Moral of the story:

Attack an enemy at his weak points instead of engaging him at his strong holds. Just like its easy to pick the hot rice from corners of a plate than from its center

Weakness Targeted By Your Enemies

This is not a new discovery that enemies hurt where it hurts most. Also, it is true that enemies usually don’t strike at bases which they consider as strong. This is so because:

o    Weaknesses can be easily exploited using fewer efforts.
o    The probability of success is more when a person targets weakness of someone or something. Totally opposite is the case when a person tries breaking something strong.

The simple truth is that your opponents and enemies are continuously searching for your weaknesses to strike. This is the truth and it cannot be denied.

Weakness is not just about lack of physical strength. The other thing such as lust, anger, arrogance etc. also add to the list. Lack of control over mind and body is perhaps the most chronic weakness (Alcoholism and drug addiction in particular). I have seen 100s of men with great potential and many of them are busy wasting their lives.

When an opponent lacks in visible weaknesses, then his enemies try different things either to know weakness or to create one. A person referring to himself as your friend might or might not be an actual friend. By revealing your secrets to him you are actually taking a huge risk.
Whatever I said in the previous paragraph might not sound cool, but is the reality. The world is quite busy creating troubles for you, better don’t create more for yourself. Be in control, and be smart.

What’s the solution? Well! “Don’t be weak” and “Don’t expose your weaknesses” and “Don’t ignore your weaknesses”.
“To err is human” is nothing, but the one line summary of excuses by men. Not in all, but in the majority of cases people tend to ignore the issues until it’s too late. Surprisingly, there also exist a few people who wait and keep waiting until it’s all over. If you are in a habit of ignoring/overlooking your mistakes and weaknesses then, what can be really expected from you?

A man can be his best buddy or his worst enemy. This depends on his actions and sense of responsibility towards himself. Whatever you say, see, or do is going to have some effect or an aftereffect. In reality, a man has almost nothing or very less control on the world outside. What he/she can really control is himself/herself. Being in right senses might seem effortless, but is not. It’s a constant fight with oneself. The journey from inches to meters requires a decent amount of time, caution, and precaution.
Summary:
·         Neither ignore your weaknesses nor reveal them to your opponents.
·         Secrets are not meant to be shared until it becomes really important to do so. You just cannot share them without consequences.
·         Become stronger and keep doing so.

·         Neither ignore your weakness nor put it on display.

Lazy or Success

Laziness is a state of mind and it evolves from two things. One is the lack of interest and other is the lack of responsibility. Before we move forward with this discussion let’s have a look on following line from chapter 13 of Chanakya Neeti.

“The attitude of a person plays a very significant role in his life. At instances he finds himself bound by the worldly desires and with a slight change in state-of-mind he can also set himself free.”
Who are you?

For everything that has happened in your life, is happening in your life, and will happen in your life either you have a reason or an excuse. Most people confuse excuse with reason and this small mistake is restricting them from taking full advantage of their abilities. The ugliest part of the life of an unsuccessful person is that in 99% cases he himself and knowingly (not willingly) allows bad things to happen to himself.

As far as dreams and desires are concerned we all ensure that they are the greatest, but when it comes to putting the needed efforts majority of us fail in doing so. Why?

Nobody Cares About Your Complaints:

Laziness and procrastination are the things that require a reason (actually an excuse) for their survival. In reality, people will not procrastinate until and unless they have somehow convinced themselves to act irresponsibly. They should know that it is totally foolish to fool oneself.
With such irresponsible approach, no one can acquire success in life. Then upon failure comes their turn to provide excuses and complaints. No matter what reason/excuse you provide the failure will still remain a failure and complaining will not help either. In return, you might get some sympathy and it might make you feel better, but the reality will still remain as it is.
O! sympathy seekers it’s time to wake up. It is your personal responsibility to ensure that on the day of judgment you recite a victory speech instead of an excuse list.

Prepare Yourself for Success and Act:

The very first thing that must be done is to acquire a clear objective. What you really want to achieve? If upon thinking you find yourself in wrong place what will you do? Do what’s necessary and do what’s required. Simple!

If you really want to, you will find a way or a few excuses. Consider yourself as a soldier who is all alone and who is entrapped by enemies from all side. The situation is serious and you cannot make a bad move also if you don’t move the situation will turn even critical. This is how you should look at your life. It’s important for you to take a right decision before you run out of options.


If you are utilizing all 24 hours of the day and all your resources responsibly in an organized manner then, please accept my apologies for wasting your time. If not, then you know what to do with that. Have a nice day!

Chanakya lessons

During his times in Takshshila University he faced much discrimination, and then Chandragupta went to Acharya Chanakya and explained about discrimination he faced and his difficulties in studying and not able to get opportunities to gain knowledge

After hearing this Chanakya said “For your problem you need to come to my room”;  Chandragupta started to followed him, as soon Chanakya entered room, he closed the door of room, Chandragupta left behind and he was loudly raised the voice to call Chanakya to open the door but there was no replay from Chanakya nor the  door has opened.

Chandragupta got surprised about his behaviour; he wanted to know why Chanakya did this to me. Then He planned to make ladder, from ladder he climbed up on the roof of the room, from the roof he entered Chanakya`s room

Chandragupta came near to Chanakya and asked Acharya Chanakya “you said that you will solve my problem but you did not allowed me to your room only”

Chanakya replied “you already found your answer”;

Chandragupta surprisingly asked “How?”  

Chanakya: if anyone tries to close the door of success or bring difficulties; then one who is in need of knowledge will find the way to gain it like “you wanted an answer from me so you found the way to meet me”.   

Moral of the Story:

Everyone must and should need to find their own path and should not depend on others. 



Saam Daam Dand Bhed

  • Saam: to advice and ask
  • Daam: to offer and buy
  • Dand: to punish
  • Bhed: exploiting the secrets

SAAM NEETI : 
The basic and first approach of motivation speaks about explaining the way work is done, may be through Standard operating procedure or verbal communication. When we detail the work, person gets deeper knowledge and develops interest as well. We need to listen and understand their problem, convince them about management perspective. Solutions can be worked out to complex problems through negotiations. Sometimes expertise from external or internal agency also can help.

DAM NEETI: 
Employees work for money & money is one of the prime factor, acts as catalyst. Chanakya suggested rewarding employees sufficiently in order to get the work done. Organizations decide to facilitate by cash or kind, depending upon the policy formulated. Piece rate system of wages is an example, which is a reality in almost all the organization for certain defined work, especially in case of labor intensive industries like textiles, leather etc.  Another live example is target based incentives scheme, where target may be sales volume, PBIT, productivity, machine efficiency. Award system, like best employee, most regular employee, long serving employee etc. all these fall under DAM NEETI.

DAND NEETI : 
Chanakya says “ King with rod becomes a terror. A king with mild rod is despised, king just with rod is honored”. Many employees may not show sign of improvement from above methods of motivations in spite of constant follow up.  If neither reward nor incentive brings them out of lethargy, punishment is stronger option, but need to be used very intelligently. Punishment is always prescribed for view to improve not to deteriorate (Ms Kiran Bedi proved that punished/ jailed persons should be molded  to improve), hence there are many ways of punishments like warning, show cause notice, suspension or salary cutting. Depending of level of irregularity, type of punishment needs to be used in view of maintaining discipline.


BHED NEETI: 
Much abused neeti, divide and rule, Chanakya says something very important. When no weapon works, then this the hard option, though not encouraged at all, it is final step.  It is concluded that employee and organization cannot work together and hence it is the best way for the benefit of both.  Parting is the only option left, else company can think of transferring to some other work area, which may not be very crucial. Government officers, mostly policemen or IAS officers often face transfer under this policy




LIFE LESSONS


1. Life is now

We keep waiting for that amazing thing to happen in the future that will be the key to our happiness. But this is it. Right now. Life continues to be a series of right now’s. So learn to love right now, and you’ll have an amazing life.

2. Fear is an illusion (mostly)

Most of the things we fear never happen. Or if they do happen, they are rarely as bad as we fear they will be. For most of us, fear is the worst thing that will happen to us. Reality isn’t as painful.

3. Relationships rule

At the end of the day, what matters most are the people in our lives. Put them first every single day. Before work. Before the computer. Before your hobbies. Treat them like they are everything to you. Because they are.

4. Debt isn’t worth it

Nothing is more draining and humiliating than being in debt. Spend below your means. Save money. Live free.
  

5. Your kids aren’t you
You are the vessel to bring your children into the world and their caretakers until they can care for themselves. You can teach them, love them, and support them, but you can’t change them. They are unique individuals who must live their own lives. Let them.


6. Things gather dust

Time and money spent accumulating material things will one day irritate you. You must clean, maintain, and move stuff. The less stuff you have, the more free you are. Purchase mindfully.

7. Fun is underrated

How much of your day is fun? Really fun? Life is short. We should enjoy it. Don’t make things serious that don’t have to be. Create more fun in your life. Don’t worry about what other people think of your fun. Just enjoy it.

8. Failure is good

We try so hard to avoid failure, but failure is the real evidence that we’ve tried. If you avoid failure, you avoid taking action. Expect and accept that failure is part of the experience. Learn from it and move on.

9. Friendships need care

One of the top five regrets of the dying is that they let their friendships fade away. Friendships need time and attention. Nurture them like a prized garden. The payoff is so worth it.

10. Experiences first

The pleasure and positive memories afforded by great experiences far outweigh material things. If you’re trying to decide between the new sofa or the family trip, take the trip every time.

11. Anger isn’t worth it

The feel-good release of anger lasts a few minutes. The repercussions last far longer. Regret, stress, and unhappiness are the byproducts of angry outbursts. Learn healthier ways to communicate your feelings, and when anger arises, step away until it dissipates.

12. Kindness matters

Small expressions of kindness have an enormous positive impact on other people. It doesn’t take much to be kind. Practice it every day, in every situation, until it’s your natural way of being.

13. Age is a number

When you’re twenty you think fifty is old. When you’re fifty, you feel thirty. Our chronological age doesn’t have to define us. Don’t allow a number to hold you back or prevent you from being the person you are inside.

14. Vulnerability heals

Being real, open, and vulnerable invites people in and allows them to relate to you on a much deeper and more intimate level. Vulnerability, practiced with safe and loving people, can heal emotional pain and strengthen relationships.

15. Posturing builds walls

Creating a person to impress or shield you from pain diminishes intimacy and authenticity. People generally see through this, and it pushes them away.

16. Exercise is power

Exercise should be a daily priority for everyone. It makes you physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. It improves your health and your outlook. It is the panacea for just about everything.

17. Grudges cause pain

Holding on to a grudge is like injecting poison into your body every day. Forgive and let go. There’s no other way.

18. Passion upgrades life

When you find that thing you love to do with all your heart, every day feels like a gift. If you haven’t found your passion, make it your mission to find it. The joy it brings spills over into all aspects of your life.

19. Travel expands you

Travel makes you are more interesting, insightful, and accepting person. It expands you, enlightens you, and teaches you about the variety of people, lifestyles, and cultures. It is a pursuit well worth saving for.

20. You aren’t always right

We think we have the answers, know what’s right and wrong, good and bad, best for ourselves and other people. But we aren’t always right. There’s always more than one version. There are many perspectives that are valid. Keep yourself open to that truth.

21. It will pass

Whatever is causing you worry or pain right now won’t cause you worry and pain forever. Time heals. Things change. It will pass.

22. You define meaning

A meaningful life is what you define it to be. If you neglect to define meaning, you won’t experience it. Decide what makes life worth living for you, and then design your life around that.

23. Risk expands you

To make positive change in your life, you often must take risk. You must tolerate some level of uncertainty. Taking thoughtful, calculated risk strengthens your change muscle and helps you grow.

24. Change is good

Life is change. We shouldn’t resist it. Remaining stagnant is in opposition to the natural order of life. Flow with change. Embrace it and regard it as an adventure.

25. Thoughts aren’t real

Every moment of the day, we have random thoughts floating through our brains. Many of the thoughts are negative and limiting. You don’t have to believe them. They aren’t the truth or the whole truth. Thoughts can become our reality, but only if we let them.

26. You can’t control others

We want people to think and behave as we do. We want them to accommodate us and live the way we think they should live. We want to change them. But with awareness, we realize we can’t and shouldn’t try to control others. Instead, embrace differences and honour the uniqueness of the people in your life.

27. Your body is a temple

We all have something, or many something’s, we hate about our bodies. But your body houses your very essence. Treat your body with respect and care for the efficient and wondrous way it takes care of you.

28. Touch heals

Physical touch is healing and intimate. It bonds us to other people and relieves stress and anxiety. It has a myriad of health benefits such as lowering heart rate and improving the immune system. Mindful, loving touch with those you love is a gift that should be shared.

29. You can handle it

Whatever you think you can’t handle, you actually can. You have more strength, more resilience, and more inner wisdom than you give yourself credit for. You’ll get through it and survive.

30. Gratitude multiplies happiness

Consciously focusing on all you have rather than thinking about what you don’t have is a far better use of brain power. Gratitude fosters positivity and well-being.

31. Intuition counts

Your judgement is important, but your intuition super charges your judgement. Intuition is data from your subconscious mind, based on your past experiences and patterns in life. It can arise spontaneously when you are called on to make a decision or need information.

32. Please yourself first

Pleasing others for approval and acceptance might feel good in the short term, but eventually you will lose yourself and feel resentful. Please yourself first and give to others based on conscious choice, not the desire for approval.

33. Self-honesty is freedom

When you are in denial about something, you are blinding  yourself to the truth. And even if the truth is temporarily painful, it will ultimately set you free. Be radically honest with yourself so you can live authentically.

34. Perfection is boring

Perfection is unattainable, and the pursuit of it makes us boring. It is our differences, our foibles, and our imperfections that connect us to humanity and make us real.

35. Serving creates meaning

If you want meaning in your life, start with serving others. Find a way to make a difference, even a small difference, and your life will feel purposeful.

36. Little things matter

It’s not the big wins, the great accomplishments, or the status in life that really count. It’s the accumulation of little things — the quiet moments in nature, special time with our kids, seeing the smile on our spouse’s face when we walk in the door. Pay attention to these things.

37. Learn forever

There is so much to learn and explore in our very short lifetimes. Take advantage of learning every single day. Challenge yourself to acquire a new skill, read something different, take a class. Learning keeps our minds engaged and sharp, even into old age.

38. Aging happens

Our body’s age. It is a truth we can’t avoid. You can manage aging by doing the best with what you’ve got. But beyond that, do your best to let it go. Enjoying life is the best antidote to getting older.

39. Marriages change

The person you married will change over time. You will change over time. Hopefully you will change in the same direction or come to love the changes in the other person. Don’t let these changes take you by surprise.

40. Worry is worthless

Worry is useful only if it leads directly to a solution. But the very nature of worry implies that it doesn’t. You worry about “what if’s” that aren’t real, and the worry itself creates stress and physical symptoms that cause real reason for angst. Learn how to manage your worry thoughts.

41. Heal your wounds

Don’t allow pain from your past (or present) to linger and cause you suffering. Don’t stuff it down or pretend it doesn’t matter when it does. Seek support from a professional trained to help you heal and renew your emotional health.

42. Simple is better

A life full of complications, obligations, and an overwhelming schedule make life more difficult and stressful. A simpler life in all regards gives you more space for joy and engagement.

43. Do the work

If you want something in life, you must do the work to get it. There are rarely shortcuts. But truthfully the work is what affords the most sense of accomplishment.

44. It’s never too late

This is an excuse for not trying. Great things can be accomplished at any age.

45. Action beats angst

Action is the cure for worry, procrastination, indecision, anxiety, and frustration. Stop thinking and do something, and you will create momentum that leads to something valuable or at the least heals your turmoil.

46. Creation beats reaction

Be proactive in your life, designing exactly what you want rather than reacting to what life throws at you. Creation empowers you and expands your opportunities.

47. Release attachments

Don’t become too attached to outcomes or beliefs. Remain open to all possibilities and ideas. You will be surprised how much more there is to life when you don’t cling to your life experience.

48. Your words matter

The words you speak have power. Consider your words carefully. Use them for good rather than harm. Once they are out, you can’t take them back.

49. Make every day count

If you live to age ninety, how many days do you have left? It is a finite number, and one day you will reach the last one. Be conscious of the value of every single day.

50. Love is the answer


Love is why we are here. It is the force for good in this sometimes random and harsh world. Share it freely. Express is daily.