So I’ve been thinking about the word resolution a lot lately. It comes from the verb to resolve. So, if the prefix re means to do something over again and the stem solve means to come up with an answer, then it follows that a resolution is akin to finding an answer to something, again. Stuck going around and around in that circle of thought, I decided to look it up. I found that resolution means like twelve different things, but the definition that most intrigued me was this: The passing of a discord into a concord during the course of changing harmony.
I like that, from discord into concord, probably because I don’t get to use those words much, but also because it sounds so hopeful! And it makes me wonder about other re words that invoke harmony and hope.
Invoking Harmony and Hope
Rejuvenate
Rejuvenate, for example, is one of those very words. To become young again. This word can’t help but make me think of Ponce de Leon, the explorer who was convinced that there was a Fountain of Youth. He was so determined to discover it that he died trying. We did a play about him when I was in the sixth grade and he totally had me convinced that such an attraction did exist. I was pretty sure at the time that he’d have eventually found it had he kept trying. But my older, wiser self has discovered this, Ponce; you don’t have to go to Florida to find ways to rejuvenate. By simply engaging in meaningful activities like bike riding, swimming, rollerblading, putt putt golfing, power napping, or playing cards with your family or friends, you’re sure to feel the effects of that ineffable Fountain.
Review
Review is another good one. To look at something again. In Spanish, the verb mirar, to look at or watch, has a striking resemblance to our word mirror. Coincidentally, the word review has a reflective quality that makes me think and wonder. I recently took another look at the Fed Ex logo, this time through different eyes. When you look at it, what do you see? Five letters, yep. Blue and Orange, sure. What else? Nothing? Look at it again, this time with the intention of seeing an arrow. Really? Has that been there all along? This little revelation begs the question: What else can you intentionally review, to look at again, to find something new this year?
Rejoice
ReJOYce. Just look at that word, to be joyful again. I know, I know, it’s misspelled, to get you to focus on the stem – JOY. Let’s be honest, this one’s not easy. It’s tough to be a balcony person all of the time, to reframe things in such a way that they’re joyful and not painful. There is going to be heartbreak and hurt on our journey. But the greenest grass grows in the valley. Isn’t that where we can grow to regain the strength we need to climb back to the mountaintop? Even in the midst of challenge and fatigue, there’s always something to be tickled about, to be grateful for, to enJOY. It’s life-changing when you look for that silver lining and find reasons to rejoice.
Reboot
Reboot. I’d totally be missing the mark if I didn’t put a 21st-century word into the mix. To restart, as in your computer programs and such. And what does that have to do with us? What can we reboot that’ll put the harmony back into our lives? Is there a sibling with whom you could make peace with or a coworker with whom you’re a bit out of step? Is there a friendship that needs repair or a kind word that’s gone unsaid? There’s no time like the present to reboot and start over. From discord to concord. What a New Year’s blessing that’ll be to yourself and to the person with whom you’re healing, the gift of another chance.
Here’s to a heaping helping of hope and harmony in the upcoming year.
About the Author
A bilingual educator who was raised on her family’s farm in Wisconsin, Barbara Gruener has been the counselor and character coach at Westwood-Bales Elementary School in Friendswood, Texas for the past ten years. She’s also a motivational speaker and loves to influence and impact workshop participants in her signature Sing, Dance, Laugh and Build Character sessions. When she’s not at school, Barbara likes to write, read, knit, bake, and spend time with family and friends. Check out Barbara’s uplifting blog to read her inspirational stories about positive people and elevating experiences.