The other day, without effort, a “how to deal with life” technique just…came to me. Though it might already officially exist, somewhere, I can affirm in good conscience that the thought was original in my mind. I refuse to Google it. I’d rather live my days believing that if I wanted to, I could patent the notion, author a self-help book, and move to small town nestled on a Portuguese hillside. But only if I wanted to.

I’ve deemed my idea the And So technique. Here’s what you do. Think of a challenge in your life. A problem, an issue, an obstacle. State the challenge out loud. I’ll start:

“I have a hard time managing money.”

Then, say it aloud again, except this time, add the phrase, “and so.” Like this:

“I have a hard time managing money, and so…”

Those two simple words—five little letters and a space!—nudge your brain to reach a conclusion. And the way the new sentence is phrased, the natural completion is a potential solution. This helps re-route the complaint from simply that—an idle lamentation—to a suggestion for action, or at the very least, a more mindful approach and perspective. To wit:

“I have a hard time managing money, and so I’m going to create a weekly budget.”

“I have a hard time managing money, and so I’m going to refrain from buying new clothes for three months.”

“I have a hard time managing money, and so I’m going to pay more attention to my daily expenses.”

I’ve also found the And So™ technique to be helpful in deciphering whether life matters are meaningful or bullshit. For example:

“My coworkers were gossiping about me.”

Revised:

“My coworkers were gossiping about me, and so…”

And so…what? My job is in jeopardy? (No.) My boss will overhear and believe them? (Unlikely.) My coworkers won’t ask me to do things with them? (Who the fuck cares?)

Since popping into my head, And So™ has helped me more than once. I wonder if the Portuguese market down the road from my someday house sells the kind of bread I like.