I hope you found yesterday’s post regarding Willingness, Worthiness, and Waiting to be helpful. If you just joined this journey, be sure to take the time to go back and read from the beginning. Without delay, let’s get to it and discuss the letter “X”.
If you’ve been following this 26-letter series, then you know I have provided lots of ideas for how to find happiness and why you need to. I have to admit that I have been dreading this post since the very beginning. Personally, I don’t know many words that start with the letter “x” and especially ones that have anything to do with happiness. A little searching and creativity led me to this post in the series.
Xerophilous, Xanadu, X factor
Xerophilous
Chances are you have never heard of this word before. The fact is neither had I. So, let’s refer to the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary for an official definition.
Xerophilous is used to describe a plant that is “thriving in or tolerant or characteristic of a xeric (lack of moisture) environment, well adapted for survival in dry environments.” For simplicity sake, think of a thriving and blooming cactus in the middle of the very dry and hot desert of Arizona.
I’m going to suggest that you have been and are no different than this extremely hardy type of plant. Let’s think about it.
- How many times have you survived the most difficult of situations?
- How many times have you been thrown into a situation you weren’t familiar with?
- How many times were you stronger than you thought you could ever be?
- How often have you overcome obstacles in your life?
The fact is we have all experienced these types of situations. And because you are reading this, you have survived them too. That makes you just like a xerophilous plant!
Too often we focus our attention on the things we aren’t able to do. It’s time to change your focus and look at what you have dealt with and survived. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.
Xanadu
Have you ever heard of the song, Xanadu, made famous by Olivia Newton-John? This is the title song from the 1980 musical of the same name. Even though the film/play was considered a complete failure in its time, the soundtrack went on to earn double platinum in the US and was ranked #1 for 2 straight weeks in the UK.
I never saw the film, but I did grow up listening to the song. Truth be told, I had no idea that Xanadu was a “real” word. Xanadu is “an idealized place of great or idyllic magnificence and beauty.”
Where is your Xanadu?
Your place of magnificence and beauty may entail a plane trip to another country or continent. However, it doesn’t have to be so expensive and so distant. You can create such a place in your own town, your own neighborhood, your own home or even just in your mind. What is important is to have such a place.
During those times when you are struggling to find happiness in your life, your personal Xanadu can provide the needed get-away to restore balance, get grounded and feel better about yourself and the world again.
X factor
Most times when we hear about the X factor, it is in regards to the very popular televised music competition show created by Simon Cowell. Have you ever used this word in your daily vocabulary? Me neither. X factor is defined as “a quality that you cannot describe that makes someone very special.”
What is your X-factor?
You may be shaking your head from side to side in disagreement quickly thinking of every reason why you aren’t special. Well, listen up! Every single person on this planet, regardless of any situation, constraint or struggle has a special quality.
There is something special about you! You are a unique person and because of that, you have a million different qualities to help yourself and to contribute to others. You might be the best expert in your field. Or you may make the best cup of coffee in the office. Whatever your special quality might be, it is vital that you recognize it, embrace it, and be proud of it. Be proud of yourself!
By doing this, you will be able to better enjoy that special quality of yours and you will feel more happiness in your life. What are you waiting for? Get to it!
As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to keep reading. If you have yet to find your own how or why to happiness, I strongly believe you will. Please come back tomorrow as we explore the letter “Y”.
Copyright © Julie Corbett 2017
Thoughts by Ajae 