Now when I say ”we,”  I am referring to the people in days gone by when certain sayings were used and what they have come to mean today.  Looking through them on various websites, I found a few that I found particularly interesting.

Janie Davis, B. A. (Hons) has written a column that I will be using to describe some of her findings.  She is the sub-editor and staff-writer at Learning Mind.  Therefore, I will not use her words verbatim, but her observations and explanations will be apparent.  I will share a few of my favorites.

While the words, “mad as a hatter” is used to mean crazy or insane, the origin comes from when hat makers were referred to as hatters and  they made felt hats with mercury.  Mercury caused side effects including insanity.  Hence, the phrase, “mad as a hatter,” was appropriately coined.

I found “barking up the wrong tree” to be interesting and amusing.  In 19th century America, hunting dogs would be used to track raccoons or bears.  The animals would climb a tree to escape them.  The dogs would sit at the base of the tree and bark while they waited for their master.  Sometimes, the dog(s) would lose the scent, and sit at the base of the wrong tree.  In spite of this, they would still bark and wait for their master.  Therefore, the meaning is clearly an example of today’s meaning of taking the wrong approach or wasting one’s efforts.

While “put a sock in it” means to be quiet, the original meaning had to do with the volume of a gramophone. In the 19th century, gramophones had large, trumpet-shaped horns that produced the sound.  But there was no way to lower the sound. One had to literally “put a sock in it.”

I wonder which of today’s phrases will be of interest to people in the future. There are many more of these old phrases and sayings. These were the ones that 

peaked my interest.  I hope you enjoyed them.  And I hope that future generations will enjoy the phrases of this time in history as well.

I have always loved the phrase, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”  It is like saying anything is possible starting now!  It can be a fresh start if you want to try something new or a time to have a “do-over.”   My dad used to say “there’s no time like the present” whenever I was unsure about trying something new.  The present, today, is all we really have at any moment we are living and it is easy to forget that when we question our past or worry about the future.  This fact is one that I seem to forget whenever I am too concerned about an outcome or worried about anything really.

Often, we become stressed about things of which we have no control in the first place.  This attitude is destined to disappoint us every time.  It’s wasted energy.  It can be hard to live in the moment, but this moment is all we ever have.  Since we have no choice about that, it would behoove us to think differently.  But, for some reason, it is extremely difficult.  

As individuals, we all have different starting points when it comes to any decision-making.  The ways in which we think and feel are largely determined by the ways the adults around us envision or envisioned their lives.  It is an influence that either encourages or discourages a positive outlook.  Therefore, it is most likely the most powerful influence in our early life when attitudes are formed.

When I am unsure about something I want to try or do, I think of my father.  I see his beautiful smile in my mind, since he is no longer here to guide me.  He still influences me, even though he died 30 years ago.  I can see his face encouraging me even after all these years.  And he is here to guide me, even today.

When there have been a lot of changes in a person’s life, one can find it helpful to just “take a break.”  So that is what I am doing as I write this blog.  It’s been a tough year emotionally for me, and I am finding that just by leaving the house and driving somewhere to do whatever my husband and I decide to do, gives me a sense of peace.

We decided to go to a favorite State Park that is only a short drive from where we live.  We stay at the Inn where the atmosphere is comfortable and peaceful and we can take walks in the woods, swim in the pool or sit and relax in the many places in and around the Inn itself.

The food is excellent at the restaurant inside the building and sometimes we work a puzzle or play a game in the comfort of the many spaces within the building.  Doing nothing or taking a nap whenever the spirit moves us has already refreshed our spirits and the week has just begun.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to do these things as there are many people who do not have the means to do this.  I try not to feel guilty for my good fortune, because I know how many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.  Gratitude is essential to enjoying this gift of a peaceful time in the midst of so much inequity and economic struggle in our world.

The time to take a break is not an opportunity afforded to everyone.  And yet everyone needs to take a break sometimes.  So, as I am doing this right now, I am thinking about how I may help someone else to do this too.  I am sure I can think of something.  In fact, while I am here, I will try to come up with a way that I can do just that!

The older I get, the more I realize just how much the little things matter in our lives.  A smile, a look of concern, a kind gesture, or an offer to help someone can lift that other person’s perspective in an instant.  These “little things” can make a difference in another person’s life.  It doesn’t always have that effect, but it has the power to do that in many different circumstances.  In my opinion, as long as a person is honest and open to rejection, it is worth the risk.

Unfortunately, people are often surprised when you offer to help.  That is because we have come to expect rudeness, since it seems to happen so often.  When young people are rude, it is often due to the mistakes of adults who didn’t model the appropriate behavior.  What an unfortunate lens with which to view the world!  

I feel bad for those who have not had good role models in their lives.  It cannot be a pleasant way to live.  Those of us who have been fortunate to have had a good experience can be a part of making this world a better place to live and co-exist.

I have found that just opening doors for people is a way to make someone smile.  And if another person opens a door for you, always be thankful.  It matters.  It never ceases to amaze me how it makes one feel good just to be a part of this simple exchange.

And I try to never underestimate the power of a smile.  I know what it does for me when someone smiles at me.  And I have seen the effect on others when I smile at them.

There are so many small gestures and ways in which to make our lives even just a little bit more pleasant.  They introduce themselves into countless situations if we are willing to open our eyes and look for them.  Each of us can play a part in spreading positive vibrations within our daily lives.  Let us always remember that little things matter.

There is tremendous power in being positive. There is also tremendous power in being negative.  Everyday, each of us has an opportunity to choose the lens we use to see our lives and the world around us.  

Sometimes, this will be difficult to remember when one is having a bad day or especially when going through traumatic times.  But everyday we have the opportunity to decide what is important to us.  And that starts with our attitude.  

I have found that if I wake up and am thankful for another day, that gratitude can only initiate a positive reaction.  Gratitude is a powerful indicator of how you approach the day ahead.

Life is unpredictable, but we have the ability to face difficult challenges if we choose a positive lens.  It may sound simplistic,  but really, attitude is everything.  And if one can keep a positive attitude, it leads to a more satisfying life.

As with most things in life, it is easier said than done.  However, as an aging Pollyanna, I have found that bad days come to everyone and being positive is one thing a person can do to counteract the negative at any moment.  Sometimes it will work, and other times, it won’t.  But letting oneself sink without trying to see a better outlook, is self-defeating.  And there is no one to blame but you if that happens.

One of the best things a person can do is have a positive person in their life that one can call upon in times like these.  It can be a trusted relative or friend.  Often, there are support groups for different situations, such as grief groups.  But doing something positive is always a good idea.  It may not always help, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

The great thing about being positive is that it doesn’t cost money and there are no negative side effects.  All it takes is effort on your part.  And there are always new possibilities that could come to fruition.  If one does nothing else, just put a smile on your face and walk out the door.  You have nothing to lose!