What I Have Learned, What I Am Trying To Learn

to be a discoverer you hold close whatever

you find, and after a while you decide

what it is. Then, secure in where you have been,

you turn to the open sea and let go.

—William Stafford, from “Security”

What you cannot hang onto you must let go of –that is the principle on which I operate, on my way to the sea.

—William Maxwell, “What You Can’t Hang Onto”

Be kind.

Keep it in front of you.

Let it come to you.

Where there is not enough faith, there is lack of good faith.

Listen up.

Keep your eyes open.

Count your blessings.

Pay attention to what the moon’s up to.

Hold out hope.

Give joy its proper expression.

Don’t just stand there, do something.

Mix it up.

Raise your voice.

Speak your mind.

Try to say what you mean.

Stand by your words.

Shut your fucking mouth.

Don’t talk with your mouth full.

Risk everything.

Hit it where it’s pitched.

Hit it where they they ain’t.

Take one for the team.

Be there.

Eat something.

Don’t be afraid of the merge.

Signal your intentions.

Play by whatever rules make some moral sense; disregard the others.

Earn respect, and give it where it’s earned.

Go to your station.

Stay in touch.

Call your mother.

Question your motives.

Change your mind.

Answer the phone.

Do not hesitate to show kindness to strangers, etc.

Don’t keep score.

Hold things close.

Let things go.

Wait your turn.

Seize your moment.

Be gracious.

You can’t take it with you.

This is it.

Enough is enough.