Four Little Words

One of my new favorite books is a small publication entitled "Four Word Self Help, Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives" by Patti Digh.  I wrote about attending a presentation by Digh back in April.  In this book of hers, Digh (pronounced to rhyme with sigh) distills wisdom for life into four well-chosen words, suggesting that the complexity of life may well lie in simple actions. 

In the section on generosity some of the four word statements include, "Show up for someone" and "Be kinder than necessary."  Under community Digh advises readers to "Create your own tribe," "Let other people in," and "Give up toxic people." 

The four words that caused me many moments of reflection came from an incident in Digh's life when she was relating to a friend all the things on her to-do list that were eating up her time.  Her friend asked her what in her life gives her the greatest joy.  He listened as she explained her passion for writing and then asked, "Patti, what would it take for you to clear your calendar so you could do more writing?"  Digh concludes by musing that sometimes out "stop-doing" list needs to be bigger than our "to-do" list.   Summed up in four words - "Leave some things undone."

I hope you have a chance to pick up some of Digh's books, all of which are filled with thoughts about being alive in this world and seeking a life of quality.  She also challenges readers to write their own phrases of four word self help.  Try it for yourself.  You can do it!