Change | Life and Photos by Andy

If you read my articles, you know that there are many (most) times when I make grammatical errors and/or spelling mistakes so you may not believe I have much to say about how to use the English language. I hope you will indulge me and read my little observation about phrasing and how it has changed my life.

I recall a time not so long ago when I was talking to another mother (I was barely beginning my foray into motherhood), and the sentence went something like this, “Well, I’m sure she is a great mother but…” And that ellipsis was a slew of uncomplimentary comments that ground the ladies parenting down to nothing. Had she heard me, she would have thought I wanted to send her and her “great parenting” off to social services!

So… I was told many many times that phrasing is important and although I am not perfect at this yet, I find that the simple turn of phrase is a great way to change your way of speaking about things and therefore looking at things. For example, “She makes mistakes like we all do but she does this amazing thing…” And THAT ellipsis builds up. THAT ellipsis includes. What comes after that ellipsis tends to take her to new heights and give hope.

What do you think? Can phrasing change your life?

I get so sick of hearing people say, “I just need to get out of here.” Usually in reference to leaving your physical living situation and moving to another town or state or country or planet (wait…). Truth: If you can’t be happy anywhere, you can’t be happy somewhere. What I’m saying is – It’s not about location. Happiness is a state of mind. A change of location is not going to change anything accept your location. It’s not going to change who you hang out with, seek out for entertainment or find for a working situation.

I’ve moved alot in my life and each time I think I might just be able to reinvent myself but the truth is… I’m me. I’m always going to be me. I’m going to make friends that are the same as the ones I made in the last location. I’m going to be the same person everywhere. Yes, I change and morph but not with location.

People can’t run from themselves and self is the only thing that is going to determine happiness.