MANTRAS: A way to share your wisdom

               Believe it or not, mantras have been around a lot longer than I have. Originally the word “mantra” was used as a word or sound repeated to aid in concentration during meditation by the Hindus and Buddhists. More recently, a mantra is basically just a statement or slogan repeated frequently. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be true! I realized recently that I generally have a mantra that I use frequently, and it has changed over time.

            My mother’s favorite mantras were “There’s more than one way to skin a cat!” or “There’s more to managin’ than there is to makin’.” She actually had several of these little one-liners that my kids seem to find quite amusing. I guess mine are more directed to where I am in life. For example, during my early practice days, I was being constantly reminded to “Read the law, read the law, read the law – then apply it to the facts. Those that can do that will be successful. Those that can’t, should go home.” This was not a threat, but rather was encouraging direction from my mentor. He said this so often that I took it on as my own mantra, sharing it with my students when I taught aspiring legal assistants and law students.

            Later, when I had my own law firm, my personal mantras were the line from Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Success is counted sweetest by those that ne’er succeed” and “The road to success is under constant construction.” I’m not sure who said that second one, but it is true. My other favorite is “Never cut what you can untie”. That has so many applications.

            More recently, as I have started my author journey, I’ve come across several mantras suggested by different authors and so-called experts. My favorite one recently is “The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.” Indecision is not my problem. Regret later maybe, but not indecision. But I do like the flat squirrel analogy.

            They say with age comes wisdom. Perhaps that is true. I’ve got the age part down, so maybe my wisdom for you today is to have one of those one-liner mantras that you believe in handy so that you can share your wisdom with your friends and family or just those that cross your path. One last thought – “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt. See what I mean?