"عش أو مت لكن لا تسمم كل شيء"

The essence of this quote lies in taking decisive action and avoiding the spread of negativity or indecision. It's about making choices and living with them, rather than allowing uncertainty or bitterness to infect every aspect of your life.

This phrase can be traced back to the writings of Anne Sexton, a 20th-century American poet known for her deeply personal and confessional style. Sexton often grappled with themes of life, death, and the human condition, and this particular line reflects her stark, no-nonsense approach to life's dilemmas.

Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. You have a steady job that pays the bills but doesn't fulfill you. You dream of starting your own business, but the risk scares you. Instead of making a clear decision, you stay in your job, but your dissatisfaction grows. You start complaining more, your productivity drops, and your relationships with colleagues sour. This is what Sexton warns against. By not committing fully to either living with your current situation or taking the plunge into something new, you end up poisoning everything around you.

Now, let's talk practical advice. When you're faced with a significant decision, give yourself a reasonable timeframe to weigh your options. Talk to people who have been in similar situations, and gather as much information as you can. But once your deadline arrives, make your choice and commit to it wholeheartedly. If you decide to stay in your job, find ways to make it more fulfilling. If you choose to start your own business, throw yourself into it with passion and energy. Don't let indecision or regret taint your life.

Picture this: Sarah, a graphic designer, has always dreamed of opening her own studio. She’s talented and has a small client base already. But she’s scared. What if she fails? So, she stays at her current job, where she’s undervalued and overworked. Over time, Sarah becomes more disheartened. She starts missing deadlines, and her once top-notch work becomes mediocre. Her family and friends notice she’s always complaining. Her passion for design wanes. If she’d either fully committed to her current job—finding new challenges within it—or taken the leap to start her studio, she could have avoided this slow slide into bitterness.

In a nutshell, don't let fear or indecision paralyze you. Life’s too short to be stuck in a state of constant dissatisfaction. Make your choice—whether it's to stay, go, fight, or surrender—then live it fully. By doing so, you'll avoid spreading negativity and can focus on making the most out of your situation. Think about it like this: when you’re at a coffee shop, and you can't decide between a latte and a cappuccino, the more you agonize, the more you miss out on the simple joy of just enjoying a good cup of coffee. So, make your choice, sip your coffee, and savor the moment.