I read recently that a female writer -who happens to be named HOPE – said that if she could abolish one phrase from the English Language it would be
“It is what it is”
I could not agree more. Nothing removes our will, strength and conviction faster.
This brings me to tell you about our swear words because “it is what it is” is pure cursing and definitely at the top of the forbidden list- which includes-
-“I am bored”
-“This is boring”
The first time either of my children said this I had a knee jerk reaction from a huge soapbox that threw them back in their seats. I think my eyes bulged a bit. It is not a surprise that they have never said it again.
-“You are so lucky. Bored. Wow. Do you know what a beautiful opportunity that is?”
oh yeah and followed by
-“There are children everywhere in the world who have no idea what you are talking about. Do something about it.”
(I know fully that this sounds like- the “finish your dinner- there are children everywhere starving to death” that all of us grew up with- but I can’t help myself-I feel that strongly)
Let’s not forget one of the most offensive swear word phrases-
“I am fat”
I am a mother of two teenage daughters – I will not ever utter these words- not in jest, not in earnest. Even in the middle of a jiggly wiggly winter. We don’t own a scale and I won’t complain about my body.There are obvious reasons for this with so many eating disorders and self esteem disasters but it also has to do with our own will and power.
“Change it or embrace it” is the only way to respond.
I also have huge issue with the swear words “you are getting too old for this”. I never see the point. Childhood is so short. (Except for maybe soothers, which my youngest hauled on like Bette Davis and cigs. The soothers were not helping her temper and hey she was, ahem …4)
It is true I was one of those cuckoo moms when my kids were little who didn’t like the words “hate” or “stupid” and tried to abolish them from the premises. (Until one day I whispered to myself “I hate this stupid marriage” and found the words kind of effective) True I apparently asked favourite babysitter Kate to substitute “not pleased with” for the word “hate” which appeared over and over in a favourite picture book. It all makes me wonder why anyone was friends with me at that time.
A little time passing and a lot of life experience has made me favour a bit of ‘golf language’ and even accept it from my daughters when things are tough but never the above listed “swear words”. And no matter what I won’t tolerate the “c” word.
“CANT.”
ask him if he wants to work in the fields
or tend to the livestock
or join the army
or beg for food
or fight for his life
or lie in a hospital bed-ok don’t say that one but you catch my drift
There is a good unicef book called a day in the life of a child I think- Alice? I liked the way it showed how the rest of the world lives.
BTW, I met you in the pools of collingwood and if you don’t celebrate your absolute beauty I will be mad!
My 9 year is “bored” 24/7. It’s driving me mental.
I am making a “Bored chart” – on it will be several different activities. Anytime he tells me he is bored I will go to the chart and I will choose and activity for him. And by activity, I mean chore.
And the fat thing. Yes. I struggle with this. I look at myself and see a short, thick overweight woman. I credit my mother calling my sisters and I “peanut butter bum” while pinching our asses when we were growing up.
Wonderful, Nancy!! And oh, that FAT thing? Lordhavemercy. I’m so not looking forward…
I hear you. It is the worst. It is a luxury! I would love a little boredom!
actually no- I take that back
I LOATHE when my children tell me that they are bored. LOATHE.
si puedes mi amor
love this one Nance – puedo!