A few weeks ago when I shared my list of what was going on in my life in February, I mentioned that a word had just popped into my head one day while I was meditating, and I was considering using it as my One Little Word this year. I've thought about it and that thinking has led me to decide that I should continue to pursue it.
The word is Well. It probably crept into my mind because I was thinking about drilling a well. The people that bought my father's old house called me with a question about the well because it seemed like it was running dry and they wondered if I knew how deep it was. I couldn't help them, but this did lead to me thinking about the different ways the word is used.
As an adverb, it means to do things thoroughly or in a satisfactory way.
As an adjective, it means to be in good health.
It can be used as an exclamation. (In an effort to curb my swearing I say "Well, crap" a lot!)
There is its usage as a noun, meaning a shaft sunk into the ground to obtain oil, water, or gas.
And don't forget that well is also a verb, as in "her tears began to well up".
Some of my interest is that the word is used in so many ways. I am also quite fond of Julian of Norwich's well-known prayer I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing with Well or where it might lead me, but I do hope that by the end of the year I can truly say "all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
That's an interesting OLW, Bonny. I am also a big fan of Julian of Norwich's prayer, and I recite it to myself often. It's a great mantra for just about anything. I have found particularly pertinent for me this year as the challenges mount up. I hope you are warm and snug today. It's my latest challenge where I am, but "all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well".
ReplyDeleteI think this word has miles and miles of possibilities! (and how did I not know about Julian of Norwich??) As always, I learn something new from you! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting word for the year. I love that it has so many diverse meanings and so many possibilities that could be a positive force in your life. Hope you are well and that your week is going well.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget the depth that Well connotes -- there are so many meanings to this little word!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you included that Julian of Norwich quote. Our rabbi has used it in the past, and I never knew where it came from (nor did I know that Julian was a woman until I googled just now!).
I really enjoy words like this that can be used in so many different ways. An interesting - and I think good - OLW Bonny! I know that prayer/quote, but had forgotten that it was from Julian of Norwich. Thanks for the rabbit hole!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great word. It brings all the right connotations to the overused "wellness" which I see all too often right now.
ReplyDeleteThis word sounds wonderful, I'm looking forward to following your journey with it.
ReplyDeleteI read Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love many years ago and her mantra/prayer "All shall be well..." is one of my favorites. You have chosen such an interesting word with so many meanings I look forward to seeing where it will lead you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie! I wasn't even aware of her book, but I'm definitely going to make an effort to read it this year.
DeleteWell, well, that's quite an undertaking. :) (Couldn't resist.)
ReplyDeleteGreat choice Bonny!
ReplyDeleteLOLing at Margene's reply. I was going to say/type something similar, but why bother?! Having just spent a year OLWing with a conjunction, I think you have a lot of options here. I look forward to following along with your journey!
ReplyDeleteI do not pick a word however, a word picked me 'accept'. I love how you have many interpretations of your word and how the word speaks to you.
ReplyDeleteI love it. I do like words that an be used as different parts of speech. And I also love Julian's prayer. In fact I have repeated it often during 2020.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all . . . I have no idea how I missed this post when you first posted it!!! I LOVE this word, Bonny. It is such a fabulous word. I really like words you can play around with . . . and this just seems like a perfect word to play around with this year. I can't wait to see where it leads you. XO
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