WORDS

“The pen is mightier than the sword”

is a metonymic adage coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton  (Thank you, Wikipedea)

 

 

Words are very powerful tools.  Like the sword, they cut and separate.  They can cause wounding and festering, turning hearts gangrenous.

 

Or, they can cut (as in ‘divide’)and share.  They can bless, nurture and encourage.

 

“Use your words,” we teach our young when they are learning to interact with others.

 

Today, I’d like to look at a word that’s been recently bandied about in my sphere of awareness.  The word is APPRECIATE.

 

Here’s the definition–

 

ap·pre·ci·ate v. ap·pre·ci·at·ed, ap·pre·ci·at·ing, ap·pre·ci·ates v.tr. 1. To recognize the quality, significance, or magnitude of: appreciated their freedom. 2. To be fully aware of or sensitive to; realize: I appreciate your problems. 3. To be thankful or show gratitude for: I really appreciate your help. 4. To admire greatly; value. 5. To raise in value or price, especially over time.

 

 

That’s quite a word, don’t you think?  And it’s a verb.  It’s not a static thing.  It’s something to do.   And you know what else?

 

(Note: This is really the mind-blower for me, the thing that really makes my eyes widen and makes me say “OMG” in the best sense of those words…er…letters.  Shh!  Here it is:)

 

Check out the PROGRESSION of the above definition.  That’s right, from 1 – 5.

 

Do you see it?

 

It’s a mathematical equation!   Wow!

 

Here goes–

 

You recognize the quality, significance and magnitude of X.  Then you become fully aware and sensitive and understand the quality, significance and magnitude of X.  Next, you are thankful and show gratitude for the quality, significance and magnitude of X–so much so, that you move onto step 4 and admire it greatly, valuing X highly.

 

The result?

 

The result of the equation and your participation in appreciating X?

 

The result is that X increases in value and price.

 

In other words, X becomes more.  If you truly appreciate X, you get more X.

 

X increases.

 

So, if I appreciate slugs, am I going to get more slugs?  Maybe all the slugs that aren’t appreciated by others will come visit me.  You know what slugs do, right?  They process poop and other things, turning  them into enriching fertilizer.  With all my lovely slugs, I’ll have the best fertilized soil around!  Oh  I can grow!