One Word

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Recently I opened my e-mail to find the usual assortment of messages. Tucked in-between some ‘junk’ was this little message titled "One Word". Upon opening it I received the following:

Subject: one word

Describe me in one word - just one .
Send it to me ( only me ), then forward this e-mail to your friends
and
see how many strange things people think about you. Reply, it's
fun

Now this didn’t look like much of a message, and so I thought ‘What the heck, I’ll try it". So I diligently selected a few family and friends, hitting the Send button, not really expecting any replies. But lo and behold, the next day there were several answers. Indeed I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did the majority of people reply but they did so very quickly. Was this perhaps a sign of something?

Did I really want to know what others thought, did I need to cut them out of my will, did it require hiring a moving service to distance myself? Perhaps this was a way my family could finally disown me. Or maybe this was the chance friends had been waiting for, to tell me what they really thought. Yes, thoughts were bouncing around in my brain. I opened the first ones with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, a bit on the apprehensive side. What was I going to find?

Now all kidding aside-- I did wonder what people would say--and it was a mixed feeling -- but I thought "I know my family and friends, I knew they won’t be too nasty or unkind-- or will they?". Thus I proceeded to open each message. Some came with kind and caring thoughts, some with just a single word, some of the words surprised me, some flattered, some gave me ‘warm and fuzzy’ feelings. What a surprise-- no where were there any derogatory remarks. Yes, it was wonderful to receive so many ‘e-mail’ hugs!!

This came at a time in my life when I needed a lift and I truly appreciated the comments. I can’t explain what a boost this little e-mail was, how much it meant to have others give me some feedback when life was such a turmoil. How just a few words was able change a tough day into a bearable one.

Because of our day to day use of computers and e-mail messages there are very few people who don’t communicate by computer. Children learn the skills practically before they learn to walk, and then they grow into their tween and teen days and countless hours are spent upon the keyboard. Homemakers use the computer on a daily basis to keep track of hockey and soccer schedules, or find their favorite recipes. Seniors are taking courses at local colleges and high schools. There are rare jobs without computers. Technology has become a constant way of everyday life and the use of the computer has made the art of communication so much easier in many ways, much quicker and spontaneous. No need to procrastinate or dawdle, just hit a few keys and the words can be delivered to the recipient in a matter of moments.

To give the gift of encouragement, love or kind words is immeasurable. Just one single word can make all the difference to a person.

The world seems to be operating at such a fast pace that many of us tend to forget to say something kind, or give a few words of encouragement. Take the chance to send this e-mail; after all what’s the worst that can happen? You’ll get some replies. And think about it, chances are no one is going to say anything bad. Besides even if they do, it’s only one word. Most folks will save their derogatory remarks for the coffee-room or the next family reunion-- someplace where there is strength in numbers and they can get away with embarrassing you in front of everyone else. Therefore treat yourself and see what comments come your way-- it’s safe, easy, harmless and it will make your day brighter to read something nice about yourself. The replies will pleasantly surprise you.

Go ahead -- Reach out and Touch someone!!

Copyright B. Fraser 2006

Any comments or feedback may be directed to fraserbj@telus.net