Two Word Philosophies

We stopped at a funky little restaurant on our way to Ottawa. It was nestled in amongst other shops in Peterborough and looked welcoming. It was. We'd decided to drive the northern route to see the fall colours and to be off the freeway. The drive had been great. We'd expected few of the vibrant reds this year but we saw amazing beauty. Trees that had spontaneously burst into flame. How cool is that.

As we had lunch, Joe and Mike had the messy grilled cheese and I had falafels smothered in garlic dill sauce. I wouldn't ordinarily tell you about the food, but it was good, I'm fat, therefore food matters to me. I had mentioned hearing someone talk recently about 'two word philosophies' ... it's a challenge to put the things you believe into two words. We had fun coming up with combinations.

"Cool matters," was the first that Mike came up with.

"Age gently," was Joe's.

"Fat's phat," was mine.

Then we were off and running. It turned into a fun conversation and we went round and round and round again. Once in the car and the Dixie Chicks were playing in the car, I thought more about this whole idea. Here are some that came to mind when thinking about what I do and who I am.

Listen softly.

Judge rarely.

Hope constantly.

Strive unceasingly.

Apologize readily.

Feel passionately.

Guard prejudices.

Temper temper.

Swallow fear.

Expect miracles.

Be miraculous.

Reject pretence.

Welcome truth.

Challenge orthodoxy.

Hold dear.

Two words can contain a lot of wisdom, we discovered as we chowed down. Two words can reveal a lot about one's character and one's vision. As a writer, I find words flow fairly easily for me and it was good to slow down and try to use fewer words with more meaning. I'd like to hear your two word philosophies so ...

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