The word for today is MATTER. As in "what's the MATTER," or "does it really MATTER." I am keeping things simple here, due to post-holiday exhaustion, so I will not tackle the type of MATTER that is smaller than an atom.
That type of MATTER does not MATTER in this MATTER.
The concept of MATTER that I'm interested in may be defined as a noun, meaning something that is troubling, or it may be defined as a verb, meaning to be of importance, to signify. But if something MATTERS can't it MATTER in a good way? No one ever says "what's the MATTER" when you're smiling or laughing. That remark is only evoked by worry or concern, by pensiveness or silence. It is completely different than asking "what's up," "what's going on," "what's so funny" or "what's going on."
This morning I wondered if it MATTERED whether the temperature outside was -1 or +1. Well it did MATTER to me, it made a psychological difference. Sometimes my inquiry continues, does it MATTER whether I look at the temperature on the computer or on an actual thermometer outside? Isn't it how I feel when I go outside, isn't it what I experience that MATTERS?
I wonder about what MATTERS when there is too much MATTER in my mind. Does it MATTER if I do the dishes before I go to sleep; does it MATTER if I wash my hair in the morning; does it matter if I put on lipstick before I go the dog park or into the Starbucks. Does it MATTER whether I put on both socks before I put on my shoes, or put on one sock and then one shoe, etc., etc...Some of these inquiries are extremely ridiculous.
On the other hand, does it MATTER if I step on the brakes or on the gas at a red light. YES!!! Does it MATTER if I pay the rent? YES!!! Does it MATTER if I eat every day? YES!!! Does it MATTER if I give and receive love in this world. YES!!!
Maybe, in the spirit of the New Year, I will make a commitment to let go of who and what do not MATTER in my life and to focus on the people and things that do MATTER.
Does getting enough sleep MATTER. YES!!! Good night everyone. You all do MATTER to me.
I think as we age we come to know with conviction just what matters and along with that knowledge we find contentment and even joy!
ReplyDeleteAmy...know that, I really did miss you, so you matter to me!