Wednesday, April 11, 2001
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Wednesday, April 11, 2001 |
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D-I-Y, the three sweetest letters since P-I-E By
MICHEAL BOYLAN
When you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself. I'm not sure who this quote can be attributed to, but no truer words were ever spoken. Well, except maybe "We do chicken right." DIY, or doing it yourself as those who don't use abbreviations like to say, can provide a great sense of pride and accomplishment, or P and A. Whether you are cooking a meal, painting your house or filing your taxes, knowing that you completed the task is a reward all its own. The next time something needs to be done or an obstacle presents itself, you will be able to refer back to the time that you conquered a task and will attack this new challenge with gusto. An interesting side note on the word "gusto." Gusto did not enter our everyday vocabulary until the 1940s, after the world heard the tale of Gusto Horlettio, a Swiss man from Italy. Horlettio decided he would break every record in the Guinness Book Of World Records and attempted to break several records each day. He fell well short of his goal, after he broke his jaw on the third day. Horlettio attempted to balance over 100 pounds on his chin, while riding a unicycle. He fell and his quest to become the ultimate record breaker failed. People attempted to cheer him up for his attempts and soon, everyone who tried very hard was commended for their "Gusto-ness", which was later shortened to just gusto. People often complain that the world isn't living up to their standards, but we rarely see them doing anything about it. If you are unhappy with the way things are going, change the way things are going. For example, I wanted to write sketch comedy and put on comedy shows, but there was no club in college that presented that opportunity to me. I ended up forming my own club and having a successful run with a comedy troop, forging lifelong friendships. I ran into the same problem when I moved back to Fayette County. I formed another group and again found people interested in joining and venues willing to provide rehearsal and performance space. All I had to do was decide what I wanted to do and then go out and do it. This can work for anybody. If there isn't the type of club, class, sport or group around for you to join, start one yourself. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can grow. I know how easy it is to fall into a funk, but I can honestly say that the funks are less frequent when you know that you can alter the way things are going. By doing it yourself, you will feel empowered and nothing will ever seem impossible again. Well, except maybe breaking every record in the Guinness Book of World Records, but nobody will fault you for trying.
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