‘Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.’ Mark Twain
Remember when we used paper calendars and there were joke-a-day and word-a-day calendars? I think I would like a Mark Twain-quote-a-day to live by each day.
I know this particular advice he offers is good for writing. I tried it out as advice for life—instead of taking everything so very intensely, I substituted ‘damn,’ then deleted the ‘damn,’ and took life as just what it is.
I had less emotional reaction to frustrations, challenges and other people’s distress. I said ‘damn,’ to myself that these things happen, then the deleted that word too. Thinking and action and sometimes just acceptance for now, became more possible.