Impuissance – Wordplay Wednesday™ 03/11/2020

What is Normal? 

In light of, or in spite of, recent global events that directly or indirectly involve everyone, if we’re still fortunate to be healthy, we strive to live a “normal” daily life.

But as one psychologist put it nearly ten years ago, what is normal? is not an idle question … “Nor can it mean ‘free of discomfort,’ as if ‘normal’ were the equivalent of oblivious.” (Psychology Today, 2011)

With media hype—real and fake—we walk a fine line between helplessness and traumatized …

IMPUISSANCE (im pyōōʹi sɘns) n. – lack of power, weakness (adj. – impuissant). [WW #259]

Don’t let current disturbing global news leave you in a state of impuissance.

Trauma comes in many forms and degrees of distress and for many, when we feel helpless, we succumb to impuissance that could lead to debilitating trauma. Yes, it’s stressful … find ways to ease your stress and strategize your perspective.
     In perspective … if you have not traveled recently or been around anyone who has, your chances of contracting COVID-19* are slim. As of this date, the US death toll is at 25, with 647 known cases … those are still minute numbers, considering there are more than 300 million of us.

One of the primary triggers for not surviving a health issue of this magnitude is “underlying medical conditions” that weaken your immune system (Mayo Clinic, accessed 03/10/20). And mental stress, like worrying, can exacerbate a multitude of health issues.

It’s amazing how much a healthy attitude goes a long way to helping your body combat a devastating, chronic condition. Even a small smile will lift your spirit. It doesn’t matter if you’re alone. Smile anyway. It feels good.

It’s a tough world full of dangers and distress that can cause a state of impuissance. Don’t let it. Acknowledge the dangers but don’t be afraid to live your life. Be safe out there …

Word Challenge: IMPUISSANCE. Take a break. De-stress with mood music, comfort food (just this once, but don’t totally blow your health regimen), and/or a good friend, as you fit impuissance into your week of powerful writings.

* Please do not take this information as medical advice. I am not a health professional and take no responsibility in your health or your actions to maintain it. Along with good health habits, I practice a healthy dose of Common Sense. This article is not meant as health advice, but as “Grandma’s advice” … in case you don’t have one.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

Cheers to learning a new word on Wordplay Wednesday!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

*Note: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

Pleonasm – Wordplay Wednesday™ 03/04/2020

When Over Much is Too Much 

In today’s hurry-up-and-get-it-up social media and instant book writing, most of the time you’re editing your own work—always a dangerous task—even if you’re a certified editor. Our minds are tricky and love to let you see what you want to see, not necessarily what is there.

This week’s word reminds you of a hidden-in-plain-sight writing pothole …

PLEONASM (plēʹɘ nazʹɘm) n. – 1) the use of more words than are necessary for the expression of an idea, redundancy (Ex.: “plenty enough”); 2) an instance of this; 3) a redundant word or expression (adj. – pleonastic). [WW #258]

So now, along with last week’s Wordplay word, tautology, we have two ways to clean up our writing before even consulting an editor. While tautology reminds us not to be unnecessarily repetitive, pleonasm works to reduce clutter for a specific thought.

Exact, precise thinking … added bonus …difficult dilemma … false pretense … just a few common pleonasm examples we all know and love.

Warning: Does your brain try to turn pleonasm into “neoplasm”? Well, what can I say … mine does. Sigh. Although pleonasm is an abnormality of your writing, neoplasm can be more devastating in its definition, “an abnormal growth of tissue; as a tumor.” Confusing them could cause consternation with inappropriate meanings.

Word Challenge: PLEONASM. Self-editing isn’t perfect, but it is necessary to solidify your topic credibility in self-published books, articles, and social media, as you fit pleonasm into your week of accomplished writings.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

Cheers to learning a new word on Wordplay Wednesday!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

*Note: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz