Those before and after moments shake our world to its core, as you certainly know. I'm so sorry you and your friend are going through what sounds like a devastating experience. I do love the idea of collecting words. Have you read the book "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows" by John Koenig? I spotted it in the library and knew I needed a copy. Maybe you do too? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56897474-the-dictionary-of-obscure-sorrows
I really enjoyed this post. Never thought about being a word collector but so many pieces in your essay made me think of language. Then synchronicities flowed into my day.
So many languages have a single word for meaningful phrases. I thought about 'befter' for your feelings in that before and after whatever it is that rocks your world. Then I thought of Love. Just love whenever someone's life falls out from under them. What better word to say and act upon?
I happened to listen to Glennon Doyle's We Can Do Hard Things Podcast and she interviewed Suleika Jaouad who hosts the amazing The Isolation Journals. She talked about how words are alchemy to her and when she couldn't write because of the side effects of her chemotherapy, she turned to watercolor painting.
That made me think of other modes of language and ways to communicate: music, physical contact, facial expressions, body language, drawing, painting. Can you think of others?
When words fail us, how do we create language that holds the magic of meaningful moments?
Much for me to think on. I thank you for being the catalyst to these important musings!
Janine, thank you for reading and for supporting my Substack!! For me, movement has always been my go-to form of expression. When words fail, there is always dance. Suleika is absolutely remarkable - would love to see her current art show.
Those before and after moments shake our world to its core, as you certainly know. I'm so sorry you and your friend are going through what sounds like a devastating experience. I do love the idea of collecting words. Have you read the book "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows" by John Koenig? I spotted it in the library and knew I needed a copy. Maybe you do too? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56897474-the-dictionary-of-obscure-sorrows
Melissa, thank you for sharing - I need this book!
I really enjoyed this post. Never thought about being a word collector but so many pieces in your essay made me think of language. Then synchronicities flowed into my day.
So many languages have a single word for meaningful phrases. I thought about 'befter' for your feelings in that before and after whatever it is that rocks your world. Then I thought of Love. Just love whenever someone's life falls out from under them. What better word to say and act upon?
I happened to listen to Glennon Doyle's We Can Do Hard Things Podcast and she interviewed Suleika Jaouad who hosts the amazing The Isolation Journals. She talked about how words are alchemy to her and when she couldn't write because of the side effects of her chemotherapy, she turned to watercolor painting.
That made me think of other modes of language and ways to communicate: music, physical contact, facial expressions, body language, drawing, painting. Can you think of others?
When words fail us, how do we create language that holds the magic of meaningful moments?
Much for me to think on. I thank you for being the catalyst to these important musings!
Janine, thank you for reading and for supporting my Substack!! For me, movement has always been my go-to form of expression. When words fail, there is always dance. Suleika is absolutely remarkable - would love to see her current art show.
You are very welcome! I really enjoy it. I agree--dancing is a fun form of self-expression.
I too would love to see Suleika's art show. May need to plan a bus trip to New Jersey!