Words to Live By

Love more. Fight less.
Enjoy more. Complain less.
Believe more. Doubt less.
Relax more. Worry less.
Play more. Work less. 

I don't know who wrote these lines, but I bought a notepad with them written on the cover.  Not because I needed another notepad, but because I wanted to remember these recommendations. 

This notepad is from the Eccolo World Traveler "Lofty Thinking" collection  

The more I consider this advice, the more profound it seems. Any attempt at these goals is likely to lead to an increase in happiness.

I was surprised to realize that I balked a little at the last line. Work less?  Surely that is a good thing.  But suddenly I pictured a neighborhood of half constructed houses, uncollected garbage piled high on city streets and mothers of sick children unable to find a working physician.

The key word is "less."  I think there is always a better solution to any problem other than fighting; but complaints, doubt, worry and work are all necessary tools at certain times. Constructive complaints can bring about necessary change.  Doubt can lead to questioning and a greater understanding of a concept.  Worry can prompt caution in dangerous situations. Work is both satisfying and productive. It is easy to do too much of any of this though - complaints can just become annoying; doubt crippling; worry inhibiting and work all-consuming. Life is about balance. 

I have been thinking about what else I would add to these words to live by:

Praise more. Criticize less.
Read more.  Waste time less.  
Promote equality more. Oppress less.
Exercise more. Eat less.  
Conserve more. Pollute less. 

What would you add?