Words and Their Meaning/Depression

Hi Dave,

Words and their Meaning: An excellent topic for an essay. So often in conversations, you wonder if the other person received the gist of what you were trying to communicate. Many times, it's clear that they did not. There is also the case where an explanation is given and even though the other person says that they understand you, you know clearly that they could not possibly fully understand, because they have not walked in your shoes.

No matter what descriptive words you try to draw upon...The meanings of your words don't match up with the other persons experience's, or, simply fall short, expressing an emotion, feeling or thought. Then along comes someone who has walked in your shoes, and they can actually complete your sentences, as they know first hand the feelings, the words, the intention of your thoughts and communication. Or, maybe, you find another who you just click with, they have the ability to lay the foundation of easy back and forth flow. It's Amazing!

Words, meanings, communication, the willingness to engage in dialectic, and the acceptance that sometimes the other person doesn't get our meaning, for many reasons - they just don't have the same understanding.

***Narcissism was a great example for your essay. Over the past few days, I have thought about your entry on 'Depression.' I like it a lot. I think back on some of my experiences and awareness's. I recognize that depression can sometimes be chemical but most often, it boils down to choices and /or decisions, eventually, even in the case of grief. The choice/decision to live or die. The choice/decision to be negative,sad, angry etc.. OR, not, and PUSH towards a life with happiness, joy, intrigue etc.

It doesn't matter what hardship has put you in the emotional gutter - The decision needs to be made to climb out. The 'push'...towards more existential awareness, contact, meaning, and value... as you've stated. Different issues take various amounts of time landing at the same conclusion - as long as we always end up landing in the best place...

Noreen.