The motto I’ve found most helpful to me in my life has been this - Waste Not Fresh Tears Over Old Griefs. ( Euripides) When I’m feeling sorry for myself and find my past mistakes and personal sorrows overwhelming me, this is what I say to myself to drown them out. What is your personal motto that’s helped you in the tougher times of your life ?
I said this to myself, my children and now DGC. To accept that if you aim high, you can fail, but it doesn't really matter, failure isn't the end of the world. Just keep aiming high
Mine is ‘I’d hate to drop dead tonight, having had only a lettuce leaf for lunch’ after I’d watched friends, trying to stay super slim, exercising, drinking black coffee, Diet Coke and a whole lettuce with a few drops of dressing - virtually zero calories- boy, were they miserable
My DF always said "a job begun is half done". So true! Nothing ever seems so bad or takes so long once you've actually got down to it.
He also had the motto "a place for everything and everything in its place". This was either due to a very strict upbringing or being in submarines in the war.
Mine would be "least said, soonest mended". I've never actually put it into words, but when I think of the number of times I've just said nothing instead of arguing with someone or pointing out that what they have just said is poppycock, so it certainly fits. Everyone may think I am aimiable but inside I'm just thinking that they'll soon find out what an idiot they are.