Step Back and Stay Close

Sometimes in order to move forward we must take a step back.

– yours truly

Lets take that step back together. Back to the basics of the meaning of words.

We all grow up and continue to be surrounded by different walls, surrounded by a different group of people, with unique experiences that shape us, in a different physical location in a culture within cultures. There is no possible way that your interpretation of a word is the exact same as mine or even members of your own family.  Even my lovely sister who grew up in the same household will have a whole other set of descriptive words for the same word.

An example – love.  A very commonly used word that holds intense feelings and a stigma with it.  But what precisely does it mean to you?

Take a minute and jot down the first 5 words and feelings that come to your mind.  Seriously, use your phone or grab a good old-fashioned pen and paper and give it a whirl.

Go with your gut instinct, do not analyze and do not hold back. Dig deep and reach for those thoughts and take the time to relish in the memories it brings up as well.   When you’re done come back to me and keep reading below.

No jumping ahead!

To prove my point, the 5 thoughts and feelings in my soul surrounding the word love are as follows:

• whole
• passion
• comfort
• security
• home

Pretty incredible isn’t it? Sure there may be a couple of shared words but, for the most part the words are different.  The best part about it is that is ok and perfectly acceptable.  Lets always celebrate our differences and similarities in this space and every day.

The intent of this exercise is to remind us to take that step back and remember that everyone that crosses our path has a different view of the world, even down to the simplest of words. Please remember this in the next conversation you have with your best friend, parent, a business partner, your life partner or even a stranger.  If you want to take it one step further, because I know all of you reading this are curious beings, ask your spouse, sibling or anyone close to you to try this exercise again with you and pick a few words to explore.  Take the time to seek understanding and be patient – what’s the worst the could happen?   By taking a curious approach in life and asking the question “what does this mean to you?” we broaden our perspective and exercise our brains at the same time.   Which may in the end bring you even closer!

Feel free to share your 5 words with me in the comment section below.  I’d love to have a glimpse into the meaning of your word love.

Stay close my friends.