Five Words
I was listening to a podcast interview and the interviewee shared some words of advice that she had once heard. And so I share with you, what was shared to the listening audience that had been shared to her... (For those of you who are old enough to remember the old Faberge Organic Shampoo Commercial, “and they told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on...”)
Sharing our encouragements, life lessons and thoughts with one another is one of the main reasons I believe that we are called into community. There is no way that one person can have all the wisdom for life. Sure, there are wise individuals but because of our complexities and diversity we need the collective wisdom of one another. We need to share that wisdom. I was reminded of that in watching the movie, Arrival. The only way to understand and save Earth from the “Aliens” (Though we see that in actuality, it is not the alien who is the problem- We need to be rescued from our panicky, anxious selves.) was to share with one another the information gathered in how to communicate with them. It was a good movie and had many underlying themes, but the getting along through words was one of them.
Here are the five words that were shared in the interview. Using your hand you can state each of the five words with each finger, putting down one digit as you recite the next in line. And so on, and so on.
5. How can I help you? By asking another how we can help, we are setting up a different perspective for ourselves: we are taking the focus off of us and placing the lens on another. This helps us realize that we are not the sole proprietor of life. There are others in the world. It also puts us in a posture of humility and purpose. We have an attitude of servitude- not because we are superior and we don’t have issues- but because your needs are just as (or more than not) important at this time than mine. Also, in helping others, we find a purpose, if not for a long haul, but for the immediate time.
4. I’m proud of you. One of the most sought after emotion is to be known and recognized: acknowledged for who we are, for what we have done and for what we will be. These four words speaks into all relationships.
3. I love you. Again, another emotion that all are craving: love. Especially unconditionally.
2. You too. To love and be loved. Doesn’t Alfred Lord Tennyson declare, “Better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all.”
1. We. One word, yet a powerful collective. Life is about all of us. Not one. Not a select few. Not partial. But We. A beautiful sentiment. (There is no “I’ in TEAM.)
What about you? Do you have any couple of words or phrases by which you live? Words that speak to your heart? Words that you feel have universal appeal? Do you reflect those words in your daily life? In how you live and treat others?
What information do you feel is important to impart- to tell two friends, who tell two friends and so on, and so on...
Happy Belated Birthday Dr. Johnson
Samuel Johnson by Joshua Reynolds.
Monday was Samuel Johnson's 308th birthday. That's a lot of candles. Dr. Johnson, as he was called, is considered the founder of the dictionary as well as novelist, essayist, etc. He was also quite the curmudgeon. He was known for quite the zingers.
"Your manuscript is both good and original; but the part that is good is not original, and the part that is original is not good." Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/samueljohn161407.html
Lately I have been wanting to increase and improve my vocabulary. I find that I repeat certain words when I am sure that there must be a better word to use. Depending to whom I am speaking, I will sometimes be in awe of the word usage. "Those are words I have not even thought about or have ever used." I have always loved the etymology of words. Once known, I will think, "Yes, that describes exactly what I want to say!"
In looking into how one can improve one's vocabulary, here are a couple of suggestions I found:
1) Spaced repetition. This basically says that you should review what you learn over time. In fact, they say that the best time to transfer your short-term memory to long-term is in the interval when the information is on the verge of being forgotten. One of the principles behind the vocabulary learning apps- they continually remind you to practice short intervals each day. Click here to read a more in-depth article.
2) Use your technology through Apps. Here are some recommended ones: Vocabulary.com; PowerVocab; Magoosh Vocabulary Builder; A Word a Day Widget; 7 Little Words; Word to Word; Words with Friends; Penny Dell Crosswords
3) Use the old-fashioned method. Pick up a dictionary, randomly go through it, write down the word and practice saying it, using it in a sentence. Play scrabble or do a crossword puzzle.
4) Subscribe to a word of the day email alert. Click here to subscribe to Merriam-Webster's calendar.
5) Other resources. Click here for word lists, helps.
What about you? How's your vocabulary? Need improvement? What words do you say over and over?
“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. “Tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”
Words
In cleaning out my dad's home we have had to sort through many books. Even though my dad is a reader, most of the books were significant to my mom. With each book I can see her lovingly cradle it in her arthritic hands as she would describe, sometimes in great detail, (no summarization for her) the book. She loved a good turn of phrase, a corny joke or a deep morally convicting story.
On the bookshelves I found newly published books as well as older ones. The older ones weren't necessarily classics or life changing tomes but still had significant words, ideas and thoughts.
It made me think about our words. Those older published books that my mother saved, don't seem relevant or significant today but must have meant something to her at the time.
I thought how true that is with words, stories or ideas that once resonated with me. Sometimes they still have meaning, but other times they no longer capture my attention as once before.
Then I thought- do words always have to be life changing? Can't they sometimes be significant or meaningful just for the moment?
Even the most life changing words, those words from the Bible, speak to me at different times and different seasons in my life. And while it is life changing, I think of the psalmist words, "thy words are a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". Like a light in the dark that just gets you to the next place down the road, sometimes the words are just what we need to get to the next stop.
What about you? What words do you like? What has been life changing for you? What can you say today that might be just the right words for someone else, for just today?
Words Matter
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." ~ Children's playground chant.
On the news there was a brief announcement on the crack down of the journalists in Turkey. After the coup on July 15th, they have been shutting down at least 45 newspapers and 16 TV stations.
Makes me think of something Madeleine L'Engle wrote. On her passport she had writer listed as her occupation. One time she had the opportunity to travel to the Soviet Union and was denied access due to her profession. At that time, anyone who could possibly intellectually challenge the citizens of the state by having them independently think was a threat to the society.
For all our worry about physical threats, it is our words that should be our concern. It is a false statement that names will never hurt us. They do. What we say, when we say it and how we say it are vital. It can make the difference between encouragement or discouragement, an opportunity or a challenge, or even life or death.
Freedom of speech should never be taken for granted and should always be protected. Books, newspapers, and articles should never be censored even if we don't like what is found in them.
But if we are the author of the words we should take care. What we say does matter. Our freedom of speech means we have a responsibility not to unduly provoke or hurt others. We should use our words to encourage and uplift one another. To help expand one's thought processes and horizons. To be a blessing with our words, not a curse.
Ah, if only our politicians felt that way.
What about you? Have you ever been hurt by someone's words? Have you ever hurt someone with your words? How can you take care in your speech? Wait some time before responding to an email or phone call? Have words ever provoked you to action? What were some life-changing words that you might have read or heard?
Words matter. Thanks goodness they do.