Word Play/Last Word
I love words and often play with them as a form of entertainment. I can happily spend my spare time completing cryptic crosswords, playing Scrabble and giving and guessing word clues that when put together form famous names (based an old television game show called You Don’t Say). I enjoy noticing how words are formed, where they come from and how they can be transformed by simply changing a letter of one word to form a new word and in doing so, a new concept. For example, we might see the usefulness of ‘networking’ when ‘not working,’ of practicing ‘meditation’ instead of taking ‘medication’ or of working to be ‘de-stressed’ when ‘distressed.’ And wouldn’t it be great if we could change our mood from ‘sad’ to ‘glad’ as easily as changing a couple of letters?
I also find it fun to notice how the meanings of spoken words can change by simply placing emphasis on different words in a sentence. Try saying, for example, “I don’t care what you do,” six times, but stress a different word each time and see how it changes the flavor of the sentence.
But as much as I love playing with words, I have always struggled with writing them. Despite years of practice writing lengthy reports as a psycho-educational/vocational consultant and years of writing this column, the process has not became that much easier or faster. Putting fingers to keyboard and tapping out my ideas or thoughts without numerous rewrites and revisions is a goal that I have long wanted, but alas, have yet to achieve. In my attempts to write something that is accurate, thoughtful, original, well researched and useful, I have always spent a lot of time on my writings.
My goal in writing this newsletter has been to stimulate a conversation about a variety of topics that have been of interest to me and hopefully to you. I have wanted to inform, educate, share and motivate. While I have learned a lot about the subjects that I have written about and have been able to incorporate many of these insights into the work that I do, I continue to find it a challenge to find fresh and original ideas to share each month in this newsletter and to write a piece in a timely and efficient way. Over the last few years, it has been increasingly difficult to find the time and energy to produce these writings.
So after ten years, I have decided to put this newsletter to rest. To those of you have been with me for the entire ten years, I thank you for your unwavering dedication in accompanying me on this journey. For those who have just signed on, I apologize for cutting things short, but want to let you know that all of my writings are available online on my website. And to all of you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your readership, loyalty, feedback and being part of this process.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and I hope that 2015 will be full of magical moments, creative opportunities and exciting adventures that will enrich your lives and bring you joy.
Thanks again.
Barbara Fish, M.Ed.
Personal and Career Counsellor
416 498-1352
barbara@barbarafish.com
www.barbarafish.com
"Helping Your Life Work"
The contents of this newsletter are the property of Barbara Fish and further reproduction is given through written permission only.
Copyright © barbarafish.com. 1995 - 2014.
|