words

Humans mainly communicate by talking to one another. Words have a specific meaning which is defined in the dictionary as the standard meaning as a word. This has absolutely no room for interpretation. But humans connect moods, emotions, and experience to certain words that then create either a positive or negative stamp on our minds.

An explicit definition of a word is known as the denotation, meaning the dictionary definition of a word. There is no room for debate about meanings of words on this side, but that is not true with connotations of words. A connotation of a word varies from person to person, but it is the implied meaning of a word. Both are a vital parts of conveying a message to an audience, but usually a writer depends on assumed connotations to nail their point by using words with heavier meanings that leave an impact.

Some words have implications that are positive. The denotations of house and home are practically the same, but the connotations are where the differences arise. A house is usually seen as a place where someone lives, but a home is someplace that is comfortable and full of warmth. Home has certain positive feelings that follow to change the way someone uses the word. Another example of how connotations affect our interpretation of words is the difference between freedom fighter and terrorist. Both are defined as people who engages in armed rebellion or resistance against an oppressive government. Freedom fighters are usually seen as heroes as they fight; terrorists are the source of fear in masses of people.

Connotations can change the way we are affected by words, but why do we let the implied meaning weigh more heavily than the literal definition? Perhaps we are more affected by our own experience more than what we are taught in school or from a dictionary. Our emotions, since they can make us irrational and unclear in thought, are more personal than more words that have no weight. Changing our ways would be hard, but maybe in the future we could try to lessen the impact that connotations have on us.

Currently listening to Nine Inch Nails and nature.

control

How is it that the littlest things usually change the way we feel the most? The minute details seem to have the biggest impact on out course of actions. If someone offers a compliment, you run on a slight high from those few simple words. A person's bitter tone can ruin a whole day. The littlest things seem to matter the most to humans, but why is this?

Perhaps it is because humans tend to focus on the here and now, which is defined moment by moment. Trying to make the most of the present, the details are what we focus on instead of the big picture. Seeing where you will be in ten years is hard no matter who you are, but hearing someone insult your shoes is quite clear. As I have observed in my life, even if something isn't aimed at you directly, another person's disposition can really alter your own.

It's amazing how we let other people affect us; however, humans are generally social beings that interact with others everyday. Letting others get the best of us might be due to this simple fact, but if this is true, why don't we learn from our past? It may be human nature, or we could just have our defenses down at the wrong times. Whatever the reason, we continue to be altered by others, and often it can have an impact on our everyday lives. Sadly, we as humans will probably not solve this downfall despite its grave consequences.

Currently listening to Gym Class Heroes, No Doubt, and Foo Fighters.

torn

For so long, I have been forced to just keep up appearances. It seems as if I have to smile at certain people who I have been harboring a deep hatred for, look on at those I care about without doing anything about it. What is expected of me has become how I live, but that isn't how I would like to see things played out.

Right now I would love to see myself break free from everything, as if to start a new life with a new name in the same environment. I would keep what I have learned so I could build on it, but not have to live through most of it again. I would enjoy my life, every last second of it. Some things, I wouldn't change for the world; others moments, I would relive them and do exactly what I was too scared to do.

I'm going off to college in less than two weeks. I plan on making the very best of it. Hopefully, I won't be in the exact same position I am now: saying that I've lived with no regrets but knowing exactly how big of a lie that is.


Currently listening to Velvet Revolver, Korn, and Benny Benassi.