June

(under construction)

Week 1 Solid Week 2 Nasty Week 3 Stability Week 4 Accept

Solid.060412.Monday

Unlike last week, we are now going to focus on that which is solid. Yes, solid is our word this week. Some synonyms that we might associate with solid are body, mass, three-dimensional shape and fixed shape. Do some types of solids come to mind? Would we think of cube, cone, pyramid, cylinder, prism, sphere, tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron and pentahedron? What is a pentahedron, you ask? Very good question! Well, a pentagon we know is a five sided building, like the one we have in Washington, D.C. A pentahedron is a solid figure with five plane surfaces. That’s pretty solid, don’t you think? You Bet!

Solid.060512.Tuesday

Not hollow but solid is how we define this most useful word. Further, we define solid as tending to keep its form rather than to flow or spread out like a liquid or gas and it is filled with matter throughout. As we apply it to people, they are firm, strong and dependable. Further, they are serious and not superficial or trivial. Solid associates will always be there to cover “your six,” and be that stable backstop in times of trouble. Being solid is characterized by or showing complete unity. To be unmoved, unswerving, unbreakable and sound in times of need. Solid friends and companions are always valuable as our protectors. Such real friends are a cherished gift. Bank on it!

Solid.060612.Wednesday

When you want to follow a trail, the natural thing to do is look for signs and indicators. We will now examine some of the symptoms of how the word “solid” is used. One of the traits of being solid is to be accurate, practical and careful in our thinking and actions. What we do will also validate our activities as a solid citizen. Many times phrases are good indicators of what solid means. A few are: a solid structure; a solid punch, solid satisfaction. To talk for a solid hour is another mark of distinction. I have had a solid meal and I have been in a solid fog. What really matters is to be firm, strong and dependable. Be a good Scout, boys and girls!

Solid.060712.Thursday

When we think of solid, not only do forms come to mind, but also other concepts such as concrete, unbreakable, secure, unmoved and unswerving. All of these impact our perception and viewpoint of what they mean. Few of us really want a fluid and constantly changing environment around us. We like to have that friendly, strong and sound place where we can unwind and relax. We like the atmosphere of the unmoved and unswerving friends that help us to weather the storms of life. It is in stormy times that we choose that harbor, that solid and secure anchor that holds us together. Those that hang solidly together will win. Bet on it!

Solid.060812.Friday

What is needed to make a relationship firm, strong and solid? First of all, a relationship needs to be filled with meaningful interactions not trivial actions or hollow surface gestures. Associations that last build upon common bonds and open fellowship that are mutually inclusive. A solid relationship will have a strong structure that is a model of trust and genuine concern for the other side. Such actions will produce a close affinity that will have few breaks or fractures. Like the three musketeers, it will be all for one and one for all! Solidarity will be the defining bond.

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Nasty.061112.Monday

Seldom do we see “nasty” used in a positive sense. In the NBA Western conference finals, the Spurs coach, Popovich, tried to motivate his team to greater effort. From his mike, the world heard him say to his team, “I want to see some nasty.” It seemed to work for that game but in reality it backfired. The OKC Thunder went on to win the Western Conference in six games. His “nasty” had boomeranged and fired up his opposition. His “nasty” left the Spurs beaten down by the thunder of OKC.

Nasty.061212.Tuesday

This is one of those negative words that convey a lot of unpleasant mental images. We do occasionally find ourselves in the company of offensive, objectionable or very unpleasant persons or surroundings. These people and occasions make us uncomfortable. There are two places where this makes us very aware of the idea of “nasty.” Hospitals are areas where nasty should never occur. Cleanliness promotes healing. Churches are another place where nasty should not occur, either in action or surroundings. In our own actions, “nasty” should not be a part of what we do. Malicious and ill-humored tempers are better left in the “outhouse.”

Nasty.061312.Wednesday

We can all see blatant-in-your-face signs of nasty; however, the more subtle symptoms may not be so objectionable. Symptoms such as, morally offensive, indecent and noxious may not be so glaring. Other clues may be just as troublesome to some degree for each of us. Nasty as in dirty, filthy, nauseating, mean; malicious; foul, gross, revolting and squalid are usually evident to us. As Individuals, we each have our own sensitivity to these conditions and react accordingly. Just don’t be guilty of having a nasty attitude. Overcome it!

Nasty.061412.Thursday

The very sound of this word is very unpleasant and unsettling. We normally shy away from ill-humored people and especially those who have a nasty temper. We are also irritated by bothersome people who pester us. When we get a nasty bruise or injury, it has a way of being troublesome to us. We also normally like to avoid those nasty things that are harmful or noxious. In like manner, we are ill-at-ease when we encounter nasty and very unpleasant weather. Storm seasons have a way of impacting us adversely too. When it gets nasty, let’s batten down the hatches!

Nasty.061512.Friday

Nasty is as nasty does. If you have ever experienced a relationship that turned nasty, you know what that expression means. Let’s look at a list of words that might explain a relationship that has soured. Does cruel, fierce, ruthless seem appropriate descriptors? Nod your head for yes. Would sarcastic, critical, poisonous also be fitting ways to describe a relationship that has “gone south?” I bet! A nasty relationship is something that any person in their right minds wants to avoid. Unfortunately, personality differences, values and life experiences can cause conflicts. The smart person will know how to look for the tell-tale signs are a cause for concern. Watch your emotions; they can sabotage your best intent!

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Stability.061812.Monday

When we purchase a new vehicle, we often look for stability as well as quality. In our daily activities, we should also look to attain that same kind of constancy. It is a mark of quality when we have a sound footing. In many ways our children also are more secure when we provide for them an environment of steadiness. They can grow with a feeling of protection and security as they mature. Those around us will also sense that we are dependable. Steady on!

Stability.061912.Tuesday

This word is somewhat easier to define than other WoW words. Stability is the state or quality of being stable or fixed. Firmness of character is also its 2nd meaning as it purpose or resolution. If we look at liquid properties, it means resistance to chemical decomposition. It will also have the quality of being resistant to change and permanence. For a person, it means to have composure, self-possession and a mental soundness. One of the outstanding characteristics of stability is the capacity of an object to return to equilibrium. Keep your balance!

Stability.062012.Wednesday

What brings stability? There are three words that bring us to that point, that point of firmness of position. Maturity, endurance and perseverance are key images that signify stability. There may be other symptoms that are appropriate at times, but these three are the bedrock that produces that return to equilibrium or foundation after being displaced. There is a fixed-ness, a composure that signifies durability and steadiness. Stability is a character trait that we should all strive for. Hunker down and go for it!

Stability.062112.Thursday

Stability is something that most of us seek. We look for purpose in our lives. We try to build a sound character. These are the characteristics that are the bedrock of success. Success is what many of us pursue; that ideal of “I made it.” It is the endurance and solidness of character that we strive to attain. The impact of stability is to give us a sense of composure and self-control. Even in times of stress and turmoil, stability helps us to continue with perseverance and determination to achieve our goals. It is in our stability that others see wisdom. Yes, give a hoot and get a grip!

Stability.062212.Friday

A ship without a rudder is a disaster waiting to happen. Without a rudder it has no stability. In a relationship, stability is its rudder. That is what helps a relationship to right itself and continue on course. Stability provides protection and security for a good relationship. With stability at its core, any relationship can weather some pretty severe storms. There is a sense of security and solidness for both partners in a stable relationship. This core provides a foundation that can be built upon for the long term. Stability is the GPS of all good relationships. Get your GPS locked in!

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Accept.062512.Monday

It is what you do when you receive something with the intent to retain and adopt. Accept is a positive word. The consequence of what you accept or approve may not always be how you saw it. It is however, that which you participated in and gave consent. Accept is a strong word. It should be used with caution and thoughtful action. Being a little distrustful of what you are asked to accept can be protection. If your first instinct is negative, allow that to guide your course of action. Be diligent in finding out why your instinct is negative. If it cannot be overcome, it is better to be safe, rather than live with later regret. As they say: when in doubt, check it out!

Accept.062612.Tuesday

As we look at the definitions for today’s word, there are three general areas of meaning. One is to receive something as take or admit to. Another is to agree with or consent to something. The third general area is to believe, trust or affirm something. Specifically we receive favorably or approve something as in accepting a theory. There is also a sense of submitting to or to be resigned to as in when we accept defeat. Accept can also mean to be admitted as a student or member of a group. When we agree to do a job or work toward something, we accept the responsibility of that endeavor. When we buy a car or house, we agree or promise to pay for that item. When we do so, it is with the intent to retain or adopt it by law. Be safe and buckle up!

Accept.062712.Wednesday

What are the traits of acceptance that insure good decision making? First, whatever you accept should be agreeable to your personal value system. You should experience peace and calmness of spirit. Without this, the acceptance could cause a constant state of doubt. Second, your acceptance of a decision should contain a quality of staying power. This will remove any possibility of doubt. Third, when your decision is acceptable, it will contain a sense of confidence and lasting durability. Without these conditions, your acceptance of any agreement will bring insecurity and eventually turmoil. Don’t be sorry, be safe!

Accept.062812.Thursday

There are positive and negative meanings to most words. Likewise with accept and we should be aware of negative impact. Let’s look at a few phrases with negative aftermath. When we say “live and let live” that could mean do not interfere even when needed. To “resign oneself” means to accept current conditions, essentially give up. Another phrase is to “string along,” or take in. All of these phrases are from the Thesaurus and are related to some negative meaning for accept. Be careful in how you think about accept and focus on its positive meanings. Avoid the negative. Check your attitude so you can affirm the positive!

Accept 62912.Friday

When someone enters into a relationship, it should be done with a sense of reality and decisiveness. If not, any hesitancy should be viewed as reasonable doubt. If a relationship has reasonable doubt, it should be avoided. Unchecked emotions can be disastrous for most involvements. Use care and reason when you accept any affiliation. Respond in the affirmative and any good relationship will grow and flourish. Sweeten the pot and watch it glow!

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