What’s In A Word?

What’s That You’re Saying?

A lexical approach to discovering more about ourselves, our values, life, cultures and creating a better world through the words we choose to use.

Have you ever really, I mean really thought about the words you use? The ones you sow like weed seeds without thinking? Or. The power behind the words you use? Words that belittle, demean, remove dignity and if used “en masse” cause world fear – even war?

And, do you take the time to think about the words you choose to use? The ones you hand pick with care when you’re at your confident best and sure about what it is you want to communicate? The words that uplift, encourage, speak of love and peace.

You haven’t really had the time to pay it much attention have you?

I get that. No worries, you’re not alone!

We are magnificent jugglers of spousing or partnering, parenting, building or remaining successful in our chosen form of earning money and being a contributing member of our society. No time to pause. No time. But here’s the thing. Taking that pause is determining your course, your cause and supporting all of the above!

Most of us human shaped beings are poor examiners. And to make matters worse, when given half a chance we thrive on do-nothingness! All good and well when it is real time taken out to re-charge your soul but alas, if you are anything like me, there are times when I know I could be doing better things with my time – which comes with a good dose of cognitive dissonance. Bleh!

Be that as it may and getting back to being a tad slack – human beings tend, and note that I say tend, to fill the gaps and open spaces of lacking information with superstition, bias and prejudice. It’s a survival trick we learnt while evolving. And so, rather than go looking for or asking for the source and facts – too much like hard work – they tend to see what is already at their disposal, and of course what they want to see.

The same goes for communication. And/or the lack of it.

Despite the fact that this is the stuff that blows my hair back and puts a twinkle in my eye not everyone is as into words and phrases or co-creating cross-cultural collaboration as I am. I can live with that. But. I can try to inspire you to continue your good work  in creating a better world by examining what’s in a word.

One. Word. At. A. time.

So what’s first on the list? Here’s a 1-2-3 easy peasy start to examining this phrase of three words.

“Confrontation creates conversation”. True of false? True. Here’s why.

1. Confrontation – Source: Thesaurus “the action of bringing parties together face to face”. Nothing confrontational about that. In the Thesaurus list are the synonyms: meeting and encounter which then goes deeper into chance meeting, rendezvous and appointment. You know as well as I do that chance meetings are the best stimulus for spontaneous, honest conversation! Isn’t this fantastic? A new and other way of looking at confrontation. If it is in your nature or culture to avoid confrontation for reasons unquestioned, present this idea and start a new trend in talk!
2. Thesaurus again. “To develop in mind – or physically”. To bring into existence. To build. So now do you get that thing about me wanting to build and bring into existence a world where we as women – mothers, co-creators and cultivators of culture – can choose to do this through our words? One. Conversation. At. A. Time.
3. Yes, you got it – Thesaurus. 14^th Century origin in French and Latin – “to live with or keep company with”. Even to have sexual intercourse with. How is that? Fast forward to modern day use-age. To debate, yak, gossip and vent. Amongst others.

Life is confrontation. Life is conversation.  Some cold, some heated, some hot!

Periodically conversations are punctuated by confrontations. Sometimes confrontations are brought into flow by conversation.

Whatever you want to call it, and however you want to define it – the all embracing purpose of conversation is, or should be, reconciliation. It should someday – sooner than later – serve to lower or remove the walls of misunderstanding which unduly separate us  from one another as individuals, groups, societies and cultures.

But then, there is a lot to write about should, so I’ll leave that for another piece – you have enough to ponder on.

And so, having taken just a peek at what’s in words and hopefully sensing the immense power we, as women and teachers of future generations, hold in them I hope I am able to spark you out of our comfort zones, avoid using same old, same old (words) and expecting different outcomes. It’s simple, not easy, takes practice and I know you can do it!

Go forth, confront, cause some spontaneous conversation and be party to creating a better world for all!