How to solve all your problems-

So, you typed your life question into google. Nice. Don't worry, I typed the exact title of this article into google and found zero results. Hence why I am writing down all that I know about life. Which, is really nothing, but I know a guy that knows a lot. Cue Shakespeare. No matter who you are, or where you have been, or where you want to go, life is perpetual suffering and difficulty. Joy, isn't it. But thankfully, life makes no sense, and therefore, the amount of suffering you endure is the exact amount of joy and happiness you can find in your human experience. Therefore, my friend, rejoice- for there is hope. And without further or do, let's look at three steps Shakespeare recommends when attempting to solve all your problems.

1. Realise you can't be an octopus.

You will never be able to solve all your problems at once. You do not have eight hands. So, choose one a stick to it. Preferably, one that will fix lots of other problems. Take Shakespeare's protagonist from Henry IV Part I, Hal. He has a ton of problems: essentially homeless, hangs out with thieves, heir to the throne which is in contention, basically disowned by his dad. But does this stop him? No, it certainly does not. And moreover, does he solve all of those problems all at once? No, once again, he does not. Instead, he only solves one of them: how to become a good heir and king to the throne. By solving one, he solved them all. He lived in a castle, his dad was happy he existed, he became the King of England (Henry V), and no longer spent time with thieves.

2. Accept the ridiculous nature of human existence

Shakespeare also included songs in his plays, enter: Much Ado About Nothing;

Sing no more ditties, sing no more

Of dumps so dull and heavy.

The fraud of men was ever so

Since summer first was leafy.

Then sigh not so, but let them go,

And be you blithe and bonny,

Converting all your sounds of woe

Into hey, nonny, nonny.

Essentially, people can be silly and stupid, but that doesn't mean you can not enjoy a good life, being silly and ridiculous. It is better to accept the profound stupidity of human nature and role with it, working with and evolving from it.

3. Be careful who you trust

Timon of Athens, an often forgotten Shakespeare play, is a perfect example of when you trust your money, and your love, in the hands of 'friends'. Timon gave his wealth away to an entire town, and never received any help when he needed it. He had surrounded himself with gremlins, and not listened to the warning of his servant who genuinely cared for him. You know those people who are very nice when they need something, but forget you exist when you require help? Avoid these people at all cost. Quite literally, all cost. Otherwise you can lose not only money and love, but trust and hope. Surround yourself with people who reciprocate your kindness, generosity and desire to be happy! Because, let's all face it, some people only want to cause trouble.

"Strange, unusual blood,

When man’s worst sin is he does too much good!"

4. Don't spend time dwelling on revenge - Hamlet

This facts and piece of advice comes from the famous play - Hamlet. If someone does something wrong, it is not your job to avenge it. Your job is to accept what happened, rectify your life and make sure you do not act out of anger or vengeance. Trust me, as fun as it is to imagine your enemies being tormented by ghosts, it is a complete waste of time. To be or not to be, should not be your question. To be happy and joyful, surrounded by friends. Aye, that is the point!

"Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.

Mine and my father's death come not upon thee,

Nor mine on thee."

5. Protect your freedom and follow your heart

Shakespeare's poem, Venus and Adonis:

"Then woo thyself, be of thyself rejected,

Steal thine own freedom and complain on theft.

Narcissus so himself himself forsook,

And died to kiss his shadow in the brook."

Essentially, if you do not protect your own freedom of movement and freedom to feel compassion for others, then someone will steal that liberty from you. You will become self-centred and, frankly, dead on the inside. So, rise up, no matter your situation and follow your heart and joyous protection of freedom. In Henry V (Hal's very own play), he proclaims our final point of this article:

"A good heart is the sun and the moon; or, rather, the sun and not the moon, for it shines bright and never changes."

https://www.audible.com.au/pd/William-Shakespeare-Comedies-Histories-and-Tragedies-Audiobook/B00FPCIE4C