I’m looking to upgrade my language. I’ve told my husband hundreds of times before that I’m going to make an intentional effort to be more positive, catastrophize less, criticize less. Alas, it seems that a few days go by and then I fall back into bad habits. So, internet, I’m asking you to hold me accountable to this pledge. I am committing to upgrade my language, using positive terms rather than negative ones.

What’s that saying about “Smile, you just might find it makes you happy?” Okay, not really a saying. But it’s something I’ve practiced for years. Oftentimes when you force yourself to smile you find yourself, if not happy, at least happier, sooner rather than later.

I’m betting if I truly commit to this upgraded language than I’ll find my whole being becoming more positive. I could use a little kick in the positivity butt. Since we’ve moved and become nomads, my inclination towards worrying and catastrophizing things has seriously manifested? Exploded?

Whereas a change in plans always would make me stew, now it makes me explode. One change becomes a true disaster in the span of 30 seconds lately. This is, how shall we say… untenable.

Especially as nomads, when everything changes. When you don’t have a home and you only have one car, you have to make plans for even the simplest of things: How to get home, how to get groceries, etc. I’ve really taken for granted living in a city where I walk to work, walk to the store, walk to literally everywhere I need to go (even if sometimes it’s a long walk). Currently we’re in the suburbs, and there is exactly nowhere we can walk safely (i.e. without crossing a highway. Did you know those signs that say, “NO PEDESTRIANS” are put up for good reason? I recently disobeyed that warning, and my blood pressure is just now recovering).

So, Internet friends, help me in my pursuit of positivity. I doubt I’ll ever be the kind of person who smiles contentedly when plans change and shakes her head, just so at ease with SPONTANEITY. I doubt anyone will ever describe me as “Spontaneous.” But if I make an intentional, concerted effort to upgrade my language I hope I can at least avoid being so spontaneously combustible. 

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