Where to Begin is ideal for people who’re ready to be a part of creating a society ingrained in love, acceptance, justice, and equality. The words in this book will stop you from walking away from the problems of the world during tough times. This book will help you stay composed during difficult moments and remind you that even on days that feel the most daunting, you still have to show up and do something.
HOW THIS BOOK HELPED US
This book made us understand that change-making comes in all sizes. It doesn’t always have to be one big gesture or nothing.
THE BOOK EXPLAINED WITHIN 60 SECONDS
This book is a collection of ideas, mantras, and poems you can turn to when you feel low or like you’re losing it. The writer wrote this to have them all in one place when you feel overwhelmed by worry, fear, anxiety, or helplessness.
TOP THREE QUOTES
“Peace cannot be shared or created with others if you cannot, first, generate it within.”
“Love is the most durable power in the world.”
“You are doing just fine. Give yourself a break and start fresh if you need to start fresh.”
BOOK NOTES AND SUMMARIES
Where to Begin
The world will say to you: be a better person. Start by being a better listener and by being better at walking down the street. When you see people, say hello, ask how they’re doing and listen to what they tell you. Start by being a better friend, parent, and child to your parents. A better sibling, a better lover and a partner. Be a better neighbour. When you meet someone you don’t know, get to know them. Don’t be scared to say you can’t do everything, but you can do something. When you walk into a room, always assist anyone who needs it. Become intimate with generosity, give what you can and do what you can. Find inner peace and when you do, hold it scared and take it everywhere you go. Love people to a point where in case you disagree, it doesn’t make them your enemy. Always find the truth beyond the stories you hear and tell and how things seem. You can’t overcome what you ignore. The more you discuss and talk about something, the more you see that issues are connected because we are all connected. Love yourself so much that you can love others without barriers and judgment.
Favourite quote of the chapter: “Do not be afraid to be a part of the solutions.”
How to Keep Going
To begin with, always smile about what there is to smile about. When moving forward, do not worry about feeling lost. There is a compass inside of you. If you are listening, it will tell you the right way to go. Be good to as many people as possible. Hate is always a shortcut, love is a long way, but it is the only road that will get you anywhere. If we focus on healing, our humanity and hope for others will remain intact. Our internal pain often wants to dictate our thoughts, words, and actions, but we always have the power to put the healed spaces within us in charge of our lives, activities, and talks instead.
Favourite quote of the chapter: “Be good to as many people as possible.”
Silence is Not The Answer to Your Pain
Most people think silence helps the pain disappear and that speaking about it might worsen it. But it took me a while to realise that silence doesn’t usually help us understand the things that hurt us. Silence, if anything, often makes them break more. Sometimes we must speak, not because we want to change someone, but because if you don’t talk, they have changed you.
Favourite quote of the chapter: “Silence doesn’t change the world. It changes us. It shrinks us. It takes our stories and feelings away from us and buries them alive.”
Bring Passion to Everything you do
People will always tell you to find your purpose. They will ask you to find your passion. We are all multilayered beings with abundant gifts, talents, interests, and ideas. Why are we putting pressure on ourselves to have one purpose or passion? We all grow and shift so much in our lifetime. Who’s to say that your goal in your twenties isn’t going to evolve into something else in your thirties, forties, fifties, and beyond? If you are someone who feels like you know your one true passion or purpose, that is also an excellent way to go through life. If you are not so sure, it’s okay. Let go of trying to identify yourself by one idea or goal. Instead, commit yourself to bring purpose and passion into each conversation, workspace, and home space you are a part of.
Favourite quote of the chapter: “Don’t stress about what you have to do during nine to five. Focus on who you are from five to nine.”
HOW THIS BOOK CAN HELP SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
“Where to Begin” by Cleo Wade is a book of inspirational messages and poems encouraging readers to live a life of kindness, compassion, and mindfulness. While the book is not explicitly aimed at software developers, it can still provide valuable insights and tools that can help them in their personal and professional lives. For example, the book emphasises the importance of self-reflection and self-care, which can be especially important for software developers who spend long hours working in front of a computer. It also encourages readers to prioritise their mental health and well-being, leading to improved focus, productivity, and creativity. Moreover, the book also focuses on building meaningful relationships and connections, which can help software developers collaborate better with their peers and stakeholders. Finally, it emphasises the importance of empathy, gratitude, and kindness, which can help developers build more inclusive and supportive work environments.
