It’s been 7 days since my last posting. Interesting perspective: that statement sounds like either a confessional or an accomplishment depending if you’re a Catholic or a recovering alcoholic. I used to be the former, never was the latter; I suppose I can combine the two and now say I’m a recovering Catholic. Kidding aside, I have respect for both, just having some fun with words.
Which brings me to my topic… language and the words we choose. I believe the 2 most powerful words we can say are ”I am…” and anything that follows those words are like a decree, a declaration and an invitation for more of the same.
I had the pleasure of being at our local Street Festival yesterday. A large portion of the main street through town is closed to traffic and I’ve heard numbers close to 50,000 pedestrians visit this annual event. I had a vendor’s table there, as it’s a wonderful way to connect with the community and promote awareness of my business and services. As I greeted visitors to my table with the usual “Good afternoon, how are you today?”, I cannot tell you how many times the response was “not bad.” Hmmm, I suppose that’s better than not good. I’ve used these same words many times; we do it so unconsciously without realizing the intention we are putting out there with our words. Now, I certainly hope to receive honest answers when I ask the question so if one is truly struggling through their day then I suppose “not bad” is a polite way to say “I’m not doing well but don’t really want to get into it with you, thanks for asking.” However, when one says “not bad” we are focusing on the negative. Even if your day is a struggle, don’t you still have much to be GREAT-ful for? You can walk, you can see, you can talk, you can hear, you can choose to be at a festival, you have freedom, you have a beautiful day, you can read this blog, you have… so much. Perhaps we take too much for granted.
I’ve noticed my chiropractor doesn’t greet people with “how are you?” He’s trained himself to greet people with “Good to see you!” Very smart.
The next time someone asks you how you are, answer honestly… but if “not bad” is your routine response, try one of these: Great! Marvelous! Fantastic! Super-duper! Wonderful! Awesome!
Another word that is overused is BUSY. ”I am so busy!” Whenever I hear that response to my question “how are things with you?”, and it’s said in that rush, rush tone of voice like they’re doing me a favour to talk to me, well they’ve lost my attention. We’re ALL busy. I don’t think I’m any busier than you or you’re any busier than me. For the past year I’ve been consciously avoiding the use of that adjective.
In the world of blogging, apparently a blogger shouldn’t keep their readers waiting too long between posts or they won’t return. My apologies for the past week… I have a very full life! I enjoy my activities every day and keep myself occupied doing the things I choose to do or… I’m doing my best to approach with a fun spirit the things that simply need to get done. I do have challenges; having a fun spirit and a grateful heart allow me to ease through challenges in life more elegantly.
Because when it’s all said and done… how would you like to look back on your life? Do you want it to be “not bad” or GREAT!!! It’s your choice.
QUOTE FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” John Lennon
CHALLENGE TO YOU: In your daily or weekly schedule, take the time to feed your soul with activities that give you joy and passion. Sometimes you need to step back from the busy busy activities in order to be more productive. Go for a walk around the block, meditate, write in your journal or scrapbook.
Scrapbooks for the Soul
