Sociologist, historian, and activist W. E. B. Du Bois with some life advice in a letter to his daughter:
“The main thing is the YOU beneath the clothes and skin—the ability to do, the will to conquer, the determination to understand and know this great, wonderful, curious world.
Don’t shrink from new experiences and custom. Take the cold bath bravely. Enter into the spirit of your big bedroom. Enjoy what is and not pine for what is not.
Read some good, heavy, serious books just for discipline: Take yourself in hand and master yourself. Make yourself do unpleasant things, so as to gain the upper hand of your soul.”
Hannes van Eeden 
Your comments and advice lift the heart and make me smile. Glorious! I don’t think I would overtly SEEK discomfort, but if/when it comes, to embrace it completely and make it mine. It’s surprising what I learn. My last blog took 25 revisions before it got published.
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I’m so glad to hear that! That’s a great mindset to have 🙂 Resisting it might only cause more problems, hence embracing it could allow you to move forward. 🙂
Oh wow! It’s great that you’re putting in so much effort, but never let perfection get in the way of good enough.
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Reblogged this on The Writing Life and commented:
rather deep philosophical thoughts
http://www.nzwriters.wordpress.com
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Thanks for the share Craig!
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I loved this.. cant wait to apply this to my life
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I’m so glad it meant something to you 🙂
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I love your use of this quote for “life advice”!
Have you read this book?
I bought it and thought maybe it would be a 200-300 page book.
Boy was I surprised!
Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
“The Love Songs of W.E.B Du Bois”
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Yes I have. I still find myself reaching for it every now and then because it’s filled with golden nuggets, and I always find something new.
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I wish I could write such words.
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Yes your brain stays alert and interested. Good advice.
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Sounded good until “make yourself do unpleasant things”…?!
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It’s open for interpretation, for me it means to seek discomfort 🙂 Taking a cold shower can be unpleasant, but it can make you feel better.
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I think it’s to be familiar with the unpleasantries so that when you are familiar you’ll be ready for it.
Avoiding unpleasant experiences may not help completely but just having great experiences alone may not help the soul grow… at least that’s my interpretation.
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Yes, that’s very true.
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Perfect. Thanks for sharing.
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