Thoughts for the day

I have not blogged in over a month now; for the last few weeks I have felt like the epitome of "zen" (which is not an acceptable word in Scrabble, by the way) and have been spending my free time knitting, reading, and savouring a feeling of utter contentedness. This contentedness is slowly wearing off as an urgency about making decisions for my future creeps up (back to university? or attempt to find a career-type of job?), but I've learned about one thing and hope to remember it throughout my life: the power of words.

I don't use the word "power" in the sense of hurting another person or yourself; rather I mean that one should choose one's words carefully in order to preserve their worth. I've discovered in the last month that most people talk far too much, about the utterly mundane or the negative, just to fill up time and space, thus reducing the worth of their words. Let's not even mention people who invent large words to make themselves sound more intelligent. Talking without thought and intent = waste of time and energy.

There are disadvantages to this new-found awareness. I find myself utterly bored with small talk, and barely try to make it, giving the impression that I am a snob or socially stunted somehow. The advantage, however, is that I cherish intelligent conversations as though they were precious jewels. A good conversation with someone can make my day. An intelligent conversation doesn't have to be about astrophysics or the meaning of life; I have had funny and interesting conversations on a variety of subjects, ranging from Virginia Woolfe to poo.

In our North American society of small talk, blowing one's own trumpet, and the desire to be charming and well-liked, considering the worth of words might seem somewhat new-agey and contrary to all the principles we are raised with. However, I urge you all to look around you and notice the people who speak a lot while saying little, and those who produce interesting gems now and again.

Yours zenfully,

Mary, Queen of Thoughts