A writer’s dilemma is editing; it causes us to write and rewrite until we have taken out every unnecessary word without losing the meaning. We also don’t use two or three words when one will do. In the following, I placed words in parenthesis as an example.
(Granddaughter Brittany inherited my old PC; she couldn’t care less about editing)
18 Rules of Living by the Dalai Lama
1. (Take into account that) great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs: (1.) Respect for self (2.) Respect for others (3) Responsibility for (all) your actions.
4. (Remember that) not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules, so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a (little) dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend (some) time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. (Remember that) silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. (Then) when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements (with loved ones,) deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been (before).
17. (Remember that) the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you (had to give) gave up (in order) to have it.
More editing can be done but…
Btw, which is your favorite? Mine is in comments.
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
________________________
Others in the LBC may have something to say about editing:
Anu, Delirious, Maxi Maria/Gaelikaa, Maria SilverFox OCD writer, Padmum, Paul, Ramana, The Old Fossil, Will Knott
