23 February 2013
Less is more – the expression keeps running through my head over and over again like a mantra as I struggle with my latest painting – don’t overdo things, complicate matters, overcompensate, like I do with everything else in my life – possibly down to having HIV. This often used expression is even quoted in a poem called, ‘The Faultless Painter’ by Robert Browning. Well, Bob, I beg to differ mate. Maybe it’s true when you’re talking about great works of art, but less is definitely not more when you’re talking about what’s in your bank balance, or cupboards (as in food), or shopping trolleys at Asda, or walks in the park. Lady Doodle would definitely beg (literally) to differ on that score. The more walks the better she says. As for doing less as opposed to doing more in relation to work or lifestyle, that could well be the case according to the sources of wisdom at http://tinybuddha.com/quotes/tiny-wisdom-when-less-is-more/
“Most importantly, when we focus on doing less and doing it well, instead of doing more and assuming it’s better, we’re less scattered, more deliberate, less harried, and more present.”
Would definitely like to be less harried, which sounds like the Queen saying hurried. To do this they suggest and I’m sure Her Majesty would agree, is to simplify one’s lifestyle. This may include reducing one’s possessions (not likely says HRH) or increasing self sufficiency. They are quick to point out however that simple living is distinct from those living in forced poverty, (i.e pensioners!) as it is a voluntary lifestyle choice. Let them eat cake says your Majesty.
I do hope less is more when it comes down to taking HIV meds. I have been forced to change regimes yet again due to a rising high cholesterol level caused by darunavir so have now been prescribed maraviroc instead, which means hallelujah I am now taking one less pill a day – five instead of six. Maraviroc which like many of the HIV drugs I find hard to pronunciate (as well as swallow!) I call maverick. As defined by wikipidia a maverick is a lone dissenter, as an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates: a nonconformist, an individualist; free thinker; loner, lone wolf, a cardsharp a cowboy, an unbranded cow – well I’ve been called worse things.
A bit of a rebel? Yep, that’s me. A loose cannon – like to think so. You can’t muzzle a maverick apparently and where raising HIV awareness is concerned, less is definitely not more. So please help me keep spreading the word.
