Fun with words

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved words. To no surprise, I was a voracious reader as a child, intrigued with dissecting words like a biologist dissecting a frog.

One word I have always been fascinated by is "elixir." Elixir. Elixir. It's just fun to say. And then I looked up its definition. Whoa! While I was familiar with the first two definitions, the third one blew me away. Was the reason why the word resonated with me?

1. A sweetened aromatic solution of alcohol and water, serving as a vehicle for medicine.
2. 1. See "philosphers' stone."
   2. A substance believed to maintain life indefinitely. Also called elixir of life.
   3. A substance or medicine believed to have the power to cure all ills.
3. An underlying principle.

Today, I offer this thought: be true to yourself. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I had been denied the joy of reading. I can't imagine what I would be like if I didn't give myself permission to do the things that bring me to life, that bring me life. Today, I encourage you to think about what your elixir -- your underlying principle -- is. Then, stick to your elixir. It will be life-giving.