September 2022

September Topic: What words when used make you cringe? Have you considered your word choices carefully when speaking to others? Examples: Gender pronouns, slang terms, etc.

By Cheryl Clark with Clark Strategies

⠀

Thanks!

Do not mistake this word being placed there first for a moment of gratitude – it is not.  It is the one word that when I see it used makes me ‘cringe’! 

Thanks!  It seems so flippant, thoughtless, lacks energy, curt, short, and effortless.  I think you get the picture.  I don’t know where my distaste for this came from but it’s very real.  THANK YOU!  Now that seems energetic, effort was put into it, more personal, and sincere. 

Have I used the word Thanks?   Yes, but it tends to have that sarcastic meaning when I use it.  That flippant Thanks, thanks a lot! moment when playfully acknowledging something you really don’t wish to acknowledge. 

When others have used this word in my direction, I can see it as gratitude and full of meaning coming from them.  I don’t put my viewpoint on the word when it’s expressed by others but inside of me, I think ugh and then come out with the you are welcome moment, if applicable.  Funny isn’t it – perception and tastes and how they so differ from person to person.

Gender pronouns were part of the blog topic given this month.  I lead an alternative lifestyle.  Yet, unlike a lot who are part of the alternative lifestyle world, I don’t get hung up on the pronouns or even the labels that tend to be associated with us.

I think we are just too focused on labeling and defining rather than living and being.  Some things can’t be defined and why do we feel the need to box in anyone or anything with a label is beyond me!

We are walking labels.  Entrepreneur, business owner, sister, Canadian, redhead, blue-eyed girl, hugger, guitar player, female, caring, squirrel fanatic – all labels!  Why some take on more of a priority than others is beyond my comprehension.  The only label I worry about is ‘Cheryl’ and being all, I can be under that big umbrella.

So, with all this being said THANK YOU for reading my blog, or THANKS!  😉

⠀