I was at an event the other day when a woman introduced herself as being “the wrong side of 40″. That is, she was over 40.
I immediately wondered why this was “the wrong side”. Now, I’m over 40. But I don’t feel like there is anything “wrong” with it. In fact, I don’t think my life has ever felt more “right”.
It’s also a bit like when people refer to their “other half”. I’ve never been able to utter those words. I guess it’s because the implication is that if you don’t have a partner, then you’re not already whole.
Before you think I’m a pedantic nut obsessed with semantics … remember, I’m a wordsmith. That’s my job. I’m surrounded by words every day. And I also think that choosing the right words is very important. Because the words you choose can have a huge impact on the way you think about the world.
It’s just like whether you consider a glass to be half full … or half empty.
Or whether you choose to label yourself as a “business owner”, “mumpreneur” or someone who is “trying to sell a few things online in my spare time”.
The words you choose have power and meaning. Whatever label you give yourself will stick. Whatever story you tell yourself about your life or situation – whether you’re struggling, enjoying, hating, loving life – will come true.
Posted on 9 July 2012
