How to start over:

Get a dog. It really is that simple

Or

When somebody says IT IS WHAT IS, explain to them that it WAS what it WAS, but what is it NOW. Do not let them get away without answering to your satisfaction – follow them. Follow them. Follow them. “what is it now?” “what is it now?” “what is it now?”

Get arrested if you have to. But get that answer.

How to start over:

Get arrested.

Or

Get a dog. It’s worth repeating.

Or

Everywhere you walk, when you encounter a tree, place the palm of your hand flat against its trunk and say out loud, softly: Thank you for your gifts.

When you are at the mall, try to notice some forlorn bit of manufactured edifice, like a bench, or a planter filled with peace lilies and bromeliads, and place the palm of your hand on some part of its surface that is smooth and relenting, and say out loud, softly: if it were in my power I would release you. Then thank it for its gifts.

How to start over:

Bring a mirror wherever you go and check yourself every few minutes. Change your expression. It’s ok to smile. If you were already smiling smile bigger or less.

Or

See how far you can get with your eyes shut tight into slits so all you see is the frolicking atoms on the surface of your retinas.

If you collide with a tree or a piece of manufactured artifice, like a building or a light pole, thank it for its gifts.

How to start over:

Seriously, get a dog.

Or a cat, hamster, bunny, fish, reptile, something with whom you might share the first meal of the day. Even worms are hungry in the morning.

Or

If you’re not in a position to get an animal, hang out at dog parks and pretend one of them is yours.

That works for me, and I already have a dog.