Spook‘ish’ times, words can be tricky!

Greetings to you on this crisp sunny fall day here in the northeast. I hope you and your family are well and that you’re relishing or at least observing the playfulness of this spooktacular season (no matter if you’re celebrating Halloween or not).

I don’t know about you but I find it sweet to see kids smiling with some adults playing full out, joining friends or their children in costumes and mazes with haunting fixtures too.

In light of the tricks, I invite you to consider your connection to ‘time’ and your association around it.

When it comes to words, some reserve the right for gray areas, many can often leave us feeling bewildered by their mystery.

Relative to time,

What does ‘ish’ mean?

My inquiry into this suffix began a few weeks ago when a friend gave me a time for us to meet followed by an ‘ish’.  I took it to mean 5-10 minutes after. Although she arrived before me and texted me “here”, I arrived in perfect “my time” and off we went.

By definition it’s vague. “Informal. (used to modify or moderate something previously stated or as a vague reply to a question) somewhat; in a way; not exactly.”

On the way back, we discussed our earlier meeting location.

When it comes to being punctual, I am for specific occasions like doctor appointments, weddings and funerals but reserve the right to be fashionably late when I see fitting.

My husband often paces for 5 minutes once he’s ready for us to go out. “Marla, please get dressed early and be ready on time”.

We recently arrived 45 minutes early to our friend’s daughter’s wedding. Truth be told, I am a girly girl. Be it leisurewear or dressing for a concert, casual meal or special occasion, putting the finishing touches to your outfit or the last curl and hairspray can make all the difference..

And even though sitting on a couch with a book is much easier, in the end, it feels good to primp and pamper.

Certain fashion looks take longer than others, all for the fun of it— to celebrate life.

Being early has its benefits for sure. The gift of time can come by way of catching a sunset. Yet being overzealous or arriving first to a party can be awkward if there’s nobody to break the ice with except the hostess.

And if too slow, like when someone goes 40mph on the highway, it can be dangerous.

At my home, if guests are on the dot punctual for a  barbeque, it means you’ll be greeted by my husband and dog as I am still powder puffing my nose.

For all intents and purposes, I welcome you as you are into this lighthearted voice of my thoughts. Plus by noting my sometimes tardiness, I want to be responsible and take action.

When distractions get in the way of timeliness, I am the only one to blame. There’s no excuse for me to enter a yoga or fitness class a notch late, other than to own up to the fact that I did not orchestrate my time well enough.

As a confession to cleaning up my act so I don’t disturb my loved ones peace I am determined to be more punctual. For those other times, I remain steadfast in being okay with 3-5-10 minutes late for more informal plans.

I really love the flexible “ish”! Do you?

Upon further research where certain people are habitually very late, research has shown this person may enjoy being the center of attention.

Perhaps you, like me, have lessons to be learned when it comes to time management and knowing when going with the flow is quite okay?

Wanna join the Radiant Woman’s community blog conversation and comment on your definition of tardiness, being late, and what ‘ish’ means…Stay connected. I happily welcome a friendly, ghostly debate.

Have a bright day filled mysterious light,

Xoxo

Marla

P.s. Looking for a quick mini-moment weekly pause? Join Amanda’s “We all feel” 20-minute guided breathwork with mindfulness Today or next Tuesday.