My Brain Loves Words!
If you asked me what my favorite book is, I would reply “the thesaurus!”. Back before the Internet, I was certain that I needed one for college, and gleefully received a copy that I put to good use. As a young multipotentialite passionate about art and English, I’ve been in love with words ever since.
When I hear the right words strung together in the right way, I stop and take note. In fact, I take a lot of notes all the time. I collect words, storing them for later use.
I know that I am in good company. From poets to speech writers, lyricists to bloggers, words inspire. Here are ways that you can delight in them.
Table of Contents
- Lover of quotes
- Turn on the word flood
- Hanging on every word
- Dominoe effect
- Words and art
- Energizing conversations
- Conclusion
Lover of quotes
I learned about the word “quodophile today”. A quodophile is someone who loves or collects quotes, often appreciating the way words are used and the meaning they convey. Quotes inspire us to reach goals, motivating us to get things done.
Add motivational posters to your space or pick up an inspiring book that can transform your life.
Fill up on quotes from sites like Pinterest and BrainyQuote.com. Pick out favorite book character quotes from authors on GoodReads.com
“I like good words that mean something.”
-Louisa May Alcott
Turn on the word flood
Ever experience writer’s block, or the frustration of “it’s right on the tip of my tongue!” phenomenon when you can’t remember the word? For me, locating the right words is like Indiana Jones, I’m always on the hunt for the Holy Grail thought or word that will bring a whole article together.
Pacing around, questioning others, taking a shower (to spark shower thoughts), or taking a walk out in nature is a nice way to open the brain pathways back up.
I also suggest putting on a pair of headphones and immerse yourself in your music of choice. I prefer classical music when real work has to be done. Others prefer the power of binaural beats to make the most of their quite time.
Hanging on every word
Often, it’s not the key message in the book I’m reading, or the podcast/audiobook I’m listening to, it’s the way that it was said. I soon find myself scribbling thoughts, and thoughts, and thoughts down. THAT is when I know that it is a particularly good book. Highlighter, anyone?
Since my habits of saving time. I have adopted the use of a voice recorder while listening and driving. You would have thought I was collecting butterflies. I get giddy when I get to sit and transcribe the words, clutching to them like gold.
Dominoe effect
I can’t help it, I love words! It doesn’t matter if I am blogging or writing an instruction manual, I just want to get the words right. I find myself shuffling one word out in favor of another. What I am writing takes shape as the thoughts come together.
And then… the zone hits. The “zone” is the happy place for ADD types who sink into a deep focus session – their happy place. It’s hard for them to leave it.
I am not sure if this love affair with words is an ADD thing, or it’s just me. ADD/ADHD types are very creative people, and words are an extension of their very creative brains. I am guessing that it is a strong pull to many minds wired like mine.
Words and art
I recall 7th grade as one of my earlier hints of my artistic ability. Our textbooks gained a fresh paper jacket each year – it was common for kids to doodle on them. My doodling reached new heights, equal to a beautiful mural on a wall. I kept that textbook jacket for years, I really surprised myself that I could do that.
I love the neurological tie between your brain and the hand. My early doodles contained beautifully illustrated words, along with abstract artwork as well. In fact, “sketch notes” or visual notetaking – the drawing of sketches while taking written notes – has been proven to have greater memory reinforcement.
In addition, there is a zen state that happens when creating these sketchnotes (similar to zentangle artwork) It is no wonder that this interaction with words is attractive to ADD/ADHD personalities.
Journals are an equally good way to engage with words. If it’s something you haven’t tried before, maybe it’s time to. Don’t forget, revisiting your past journals can be another fun, self-discovery event.
Energizing conversations
Daily life may require us to interact with others at work and on our jobs. We benefit from brainstorming sessions, leaving euphoric with new thoughts and ideas. If you are looking for a good word-dopamine hit, strike up a conversation at the water cooler (or Reddit) to add some spark to your fire.
Conclusion
How about your brain and words? Are you a writer or author? Do you like to journal? Do you also have a love for the thesaurus? Enlighten me below with how you best engage with words.
