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wayward

original waywardness?

wayward: It's not a word that just rolls off the tongue in everyday conversation. It has a disturbing, poetical rhythm to it, bringing up unsettled thoughts and meanings; in fact, one of the definitions for wayward is unsettled.


Think about how sailors would talk of wayward winds that would blow them off course to parts unknown. Then there's the wayward child, willful and capricious, wanting to follow their own inclinations instead of a compiled set of ways.

I initially jotted a few notes like:
  • wayward disturbs a contented soul
  • wayward has a mind of its own
  • I never was a wayward child in deed, but more in the mind
I tend to think of wayward in negative ways - we all do.

However, as I revisit the three statements above, I see an interesting pattern unfolding; one where wayward might have a different definition. Perhaps it's good to have a disturbed soul. It gets us out of a rut. A mind of our own doesn't just follow because it’s supposed to. And, heaven forbid, there are times we should take action on some of the things that rattle our brains.

A few weeks ago, I had a little rant and the person I was talking to said it was good to hear as she laughed, saying, "because you never do that."

In a different conversation, another friend commented, "I appreciate your true, authentic words."


Which is it? Do I hold too many things in so that my appearance is not of a wayward child?


Wayward is contrary and unruly, but it's also fanciful, random and unpredictable. Given that, maybe I'm a wayward child, after all -

Missy


If you have been mildly amused, challenged or inspired by what you have read, please pass on my blog to a friend, colleague, family member or even random acquaintance
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