Allowing

The power of words is astounding and in any given instance completely subjective.

Case in point: Throughout my life I’ve been acutely aware of my challenges with “patience.” Hence, when I consider the word, I am faced with something that feels like an uphill battle during which I feel squirmy and less than competent—that I must “work” on this deficient part of myself to make myself “better.”

Now, notwithstanding the truth that I am divinely designed and that there is inherent strength in my “impatience,” I’d like to address the power of semantics in this instance.

What happens when I substitute the word “patience” with the word “allowing”?

For me, the imagery shifts to a gracious woman beckoning Life to unfold in full faith that I shall not be left behind. I can exhale in relief that I do not have to hold the whole thing together on my own.

Just like magic.

How about you? Can you think of additional semantic shifts that might open up more ease in your own life?