Thursday, December 4, 2008

It's hard to believe it's been a month since I posted.  I've taken photos only to have them sit in a file or in my camera.  I have also been having continued difficulty posting with GoDaddy.  They tell me it's Nextel.  Nextel bounces the buck back to GoDaddy.  I've downloaded a new browser, new software, new passwords, user IDs, blah blah blah.  It all started when GoDaddy changed their site, so I'm going to point the finger at them.  Tonight a tech guy gave me a different (direct) link to use, by-passing the main site.  Whatever.

I've been thinking about words lately--meanings of words, words carrying power.  I'm always mentioning change, and, I think that, more than "changing," my life seems to be in a constant state of "evolution."  Life-changing challenges and choices, the economy, the world situation, family, and even just small daily irritations...I see the words "worried" and "trouble" swimming and whirling in my brain.  But thoughts become things;  thoughts carry energy.  I don't want to obsess about the negative.  

I looked the words up in the dictionary.  In 7th grade English, Mrs. Hart instilled an interest in etymology--word origins--that I still use on occasion.  "Worry" is a derivitive of an Old English word meaning "strangle."  "Trouble" comes from the Latin turba, meaning "crowd."   Strangling, crowding, pressure, cutting off the air---no wonder spending time in this state is so unproductive, so like a downward spiral. 

Better to "go with the flow" than gasp for air.  The end of the year is always stressful, and, for those of you who know me, this one is a doozey.  The other assurance that I give myself regularly is that whatever is happening is only preparing me and leading me to something better.  I do believe this.  I've seen it in action.  

We need to enjoy this short, festive holiday season while it's here.  Take a drive to see the lights;  spend time with friends.  Light some candles, and watch the Alastair Sim version of A Christmas Carol (it's in black & white).  And, while I'm at it, if thoughts become things, let me concentrate on two other more positive Latin derivitives:  relax (back + loosen) and gratitude (pleasing.)