Word-Of-the-Week #2010: Holidays
December 6, 2025 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #2010: Holidays
Holidays – that “special” time of year that brings joy and/or stress.
I didn’t send a WOW on Thanksgiving intentionally. I figured everyone needed a break including myself. Then when I attempted to post this week’s WOW my website crashed. Sorry for being late with this. Hope you’re having FUN weekend!
How do the holidays make you feel? Do you travel to be with your family? Do you spend time with family that lives out of town? Or do you leave town, so you don’t have to be around any of them?
Since we are “full on” in the Holiday Season, I am taking the liberty of running this past WOW. Long time subscriber John always makes me belly laugh when he replies to my WOW’s. This is what he wrote after my WOW on family.
“I recall a quote from an elderly Aunt of mine back in the 50′s that always stuck in my mind which occurred after a family “tiff” during the annual Thanksgiving family get-together many, many years ago.
Three members of the family were particularly known for getting on each others last nerve. During a particularly “animated discussion” my Aunt, who was known to enjoy her homemade Elderberry wine, stood up and proclaimed, “A toast to Thanksgiving, that special time of the year that we get together to remind us why we all moved apart.”
The saying goes, “You don’t get to pick your family, but you do get to pick your friends.” You may not be able to control their behavior, but you can control yours. You can either choose to not be reactive or to not be around them. My mother used to tell me to “ignore your brother” a lot. As I have gotten older, I am seriously questioning that statement. Is it in anyone’s best interest to ignore certain behavior? What message does that send?
This week’s focus is on the Holidays. Do they make you feel festive and/or joyous? Or do you feel stress? In a perfect world what could you do to make them more joyful? What behavior could you change to reduce your stress?
And just for a little FUN, stressed spelled backwards is desserts! Maybe you need more of those. Here’s to having a wonderful Holiday Season!
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Word-Of-the-Week #2009: Traits
November 20, 2025 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #2009: Traits
Traits – distinguishing features of your personal nature.
Is it in your nature to see every side of an argument? Do you have the ability to see outside the box?
This week features the last part from Zayda Slabbekoorn at YourTango.com, “11 Signs You Have A Complex Mind That Thinks Completely Differently Than Normal People.
Are you more intelligent than you give yourself credit for?”
To Recap: “There are many signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people, even if your habits and behaviors are subtle and unsuspecting amid the chaos of everyday life. Even the more obvious ones, like being a critical thinker, are beneficial to your success, productivity, and intelligence — so don’t take this complexity for granted, even if it feels like a burden at times.
- You crave meaningful connections
- You have a unique thought process
- You analyze yourself
- You’re comfortable with paradox
- You ask a lot of questions
- You appreciate a challenge
- You feel misunderstood
Here are the last 4 signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people
- You see every side of an argument
When you’re talking to people you don’t know, mediating an argument, or disagreeing with someone who has different opinions, if you can see all perspectives, chances are you have a complex mind.
You’re always understanding where someone “is coming from,” and making an effort to ask questions to bridge understanding. Even if you don’t agree, you’re committed to being engaged and understanding someone, rather than shutting down and taking their differing opinions personally.
Of course, there are certain sensitive topics, especially in today’s world, that often are personal — differing opinions on our identity or self-expression, for example, can feel offensive — but even then, a person with a complex mind uses emotional regulation and distance to protect themselves from harm.
- You’re always thinking
According to a study from Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience, the average intelligent person with a complex mind struggles with anxiety because of their tendency toward overthinking. Their brain never shuts off — they’re always unpacking their emotions, reflecting, and thinking deeply about issues in their head.
This tendency to worry and overthink is also associated with a higher risk of psychological disorders and mental health concerns, according to a study from Intelligence. So, while it can be a beneficial trait in some instances, with the right self-discipline and coping strategies, it’s a complexity of an intelligent person’s mind that can also quickly sabotage their well-being.
- You’re incredibly creative
Creativity and intelligence often share a common thread: complexity. If you have a deep and complex mind, chances are you’re both intelligent, innovative, and creative in your everyday life. You think about things from an abstract perspective, giving you the ability to think outside the box and be creative with everything — from tangible pieces of art to more abstract arguments about life.
So, if you’re always being rewarded for your creativity or integrating it seamlessly into your routine, those are signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people.
- You’re curious about everything
Being curious about everything — whether it’s a work project, a person’s perspective, or your own personal thoughts — is one of the signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people.
You’re always seeking depth from interactions and mental stimulation from activities, leveraging intellectual and creative curiosity to your advantage for growth and development.
This week’s focus is on your traits. Can you have discussions and see all perspectives? Do you have a tendency to overthink things? Are you curious about everything?
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Word-Of-the-Week #2008: Complex Mind
November 13, 2025 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #2008: Complex Mind
Complex Mind – a way of thinking that involves seeing connections, understanding multiple perspectives, and having a deep capacity for creativity and introspection.
How comfortable are you conversing with people who have different opinions from you? Do you ever feel that you are chronically misunderstood in your everyday life?
This week features the 2nd part from Zayda Slabbekoorn at YourTango.com, “11 Signs You Have A Complex Mind That Thinks Completely Differently Than Normal People.
Are you more intelligent than you give yourself credit for?”
To Recap: “There are many signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people, even if your habits and behaviors are subtle and unsuspecting amid the chaos of everyday life. Even the more obvious ones, like being a critical thinker, are beneficial to your success, productivity, and intelligence — so don’t take this complexity for granted, even if it feels like a burden at times.
Here are the next 4 signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people
- You’re comfortable with paradox
If you can think abstractly about topics, hold multiple beliefs in your mind, or converse with people who have different opinions from you, chances are that those are all signs you have a complex mind.
For the average person, who often takes disagreements, debates, and differing values personally, it’s a superpower to be able to bridge the gap between things like sociopolitical beliefs and economic or cultural lines with the power of complexity and perspective.
- You ask a lot of questions
Whether it’s a practice interweaved in active listening strategies with loved ones or a tendency to seek deeper understanding at work, asking a lot of questions is one of the signs that you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people.
Even if it might seem annoying or indifferent to the people around you, questions are one of the most powerful conversation skills a person can have. They not only make other people feel heard and understood, but they also open up opportunities for you to learn and gain perspectives that others may overlook.
According to a 2021 study, asking questions can also promote better motivation and productivity, giving people a better understanding of the purpose behind their actions and conversations.
- You appreciate a challenge
Intelligent people with complex minds seek out mental stimulation, according to a study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. They’re drawn in by the idea of challenges or difficult issues to solve, even if their average peers would prefer to delegate and avoid them.
Even mindless entertainment and superficial gossip are things that people with complex minds tend to steer away from to make time for more stimulating and challenging activities.
So, if you’re always using your “comfort zone” as a suggestion and leaning into the challenge of learning from mistakes or taking on the most complex project at work, that’s not a mistake — you have a complex mind and crave depth.
- You feel misunderstood
Many intelligent deep thinkers feel chronically misunderstood in their everyday lives. Despite craving deep connections and feeling their emotions incredibly deeply, they often regulate internally so well that their emotions don’t show as vividly on the surface. This can lead to other people feeling confused and turning away from conversations with them.
While expressing emotions verbally can help to bridge that gap — “I don’t always show it, but I’m really happy right now” — can be incredibly helpful, that doesn’t take away from the subtle consequences of feeling misunderstood that may pop up in an intelligent person’s life.
This week’s focus is on a complex mind. Do you feel drawn to the idea of a challenge or a difficult issue to solve? Are you an active listener that asks a lot of questions?
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Word-Of-the-Week #2007: Intelligent
November 6, 2025 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #2007: Intelligent
Intelligent – having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree.
Do you largely dislike small talk? And prefer having close friends that you create meaningful relationships with?
This week features the first part from Zayda Slabbekoorn at YourTango.com, “11 Signs You Have A Complex Mind That Thinks Completely Differently Than Normal People.
Are you more intelligent than you give yourself credit for?”
“Intelligent people often seek mental stimulation, diving deeper into abstract topics, exploring novel realms, and leaning into the innovation of new ideas. According to a study from Neuropsychologia, intelligence is related to flexibility — the ability to connect unrelated information and quickly dive into complex topics. Another from Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests that, on a fundamental level, an intelligent person’s brain even responds deeply to sensory stimuli on a deeper level.
There are many signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people, even if your habits and behaviors are subtle and unsuspecting amid the chaos of everyday life. Even the more obvious ones, like being a critical thinker, are beneficial to your success, productivity, and intelligence — so don’t take this complexity for granted, even if it feels like a burden at times.
Here are the first 3 signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people
- You crave meaningful connections
While intelligent people do often have a higher level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and basic social understanding in conversation, according to a study from Intelligence, they largely dislike small talk. In some cases, it’s necessary to build a foundation for the deep, meaningful connection they’re yearning for, but in others, it feels mindless, superficial, and draining.
Especially for introverted deep thinkers who appreciate their introspection and often only indulge in social interaction with people they love, appreciate, and trust deeply, these interactions can be quickly draining. So, if you yearn for close friends and often find yourself avoiding small talk when it’s possible, it’s not because you’re struggling with social skills, but maybe because you’re a deep thinker inside.
- You have a unique thought process
While the average person, or one of lesser intelligence, often thinks in “black and white” terms — following a linear progression from start to end — a deep thinker’s mind is a constant myriad of a million things. They don’t necessarily think in a straight line, but instead blend personal insight, emotion, logic, observations, and intuition into all of their conflict- and problem-resolution strategies.
While it may take some discipline to contain and control in rigid institutions like the workplace, this kind of innovative, deep thinking is often in short supply — and can be incredibly valuable for the right person. So, even if it feels like a gift and a curse sometimes to be a deep thinker — diving deeply into problems, issues, and other people, even when it feels like nobody else cares — it’s a superpower when used with diligence.
- You analyze yourself
Self-reflection and introspection are all signs that you have a complex mind that thinks differently than normal people. While it may take decades of practice for the average person to recognize their patterns and reflect on their mistakes, the preference for solitude and emotional intelligence of a deep thinker allows for it, often in the present moment.
Especially when self-reflection in daily life revolves around feelings of frustration, failure, or surprise, which are often uncomfortable and repressed by the average person, they can be even more powerful for deep thinkers to “level up” in environments like the workplace.
This week’s focus is on being intelligent. Do you want to only indulge in social interaction with people you love, appreciate, and trust deeply? Are you a deep thinker diving into issues, problems, or other people? How often do you analyze yourself?
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Word-Of-the-Week #2006: Joy
October 30, 2025 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #2006: Joy
Joy – a deep feeling of happiness or contentment.
When was the last time you had a deep feeling of happiness or contentment? How often does it happen?
This week features Nia Tipton from YourTango.com, “People Who Are Genuinely Content With Their Lives Usually Have These 3 Simple Habits, Says A Philosopher.”
Even in the face of hard times, these simple habits can bring some joy back to your life.
“With the state of the world leaving many people feeling hopeless, it can be hard for anyone to find a semblance of peace in their day-to-day lives. We’re certainly trying to stay optimistic, but it truly does feel like a waiting game. When will things finally start to feel okay again?
A philosopher named Diego Perez admitted that, despite the hardships affecting the majority of people, not only in this country but around the world, there are still certain habits you can prioritize to find joy. During an interview with author and podcast host Mel Robbins, Perez listed some of those habits.
People who are genuinely content with their lives usually have these 3 simple habits:
- They are grateful for the little things
It might sound incredibly cliché, but being grateful really does bring happiness into your life. When you’re actually making a conscious effort to notice the small, yet still beautiful things, like being able to grab breakfast with a friend on a Sunday morning, or even something as simple as going to an exercise class after a long day of work, your whole perspective can change.
Being able to feel gratitude for these little moments means being able to acknowledge that the hard times don’t mean that there can’t be good ones as well. This simple habit can change your mindset. The lows might be low, but the highs are just as important to celebrate.
“Once our attention moves from ‘making it ‘ to survival, we learn the difference between what is important and what we’ve just been doing to fill our time or feel successful. We remember to take in the beauty of a sunrise or truly appreciate and trust the love of another human being,” pointed out licensed psychotherapist Barton Goldsmith.
- They notice when their nervous system is overwhelmed
Perez insisted that those who are content with their lives not only are able to observe when their nervous system might be on edge more than usual, but also respond appropriately. Once they feel out of whack, they immediately start saying “no” to things that are causing them stress.
Rather than just pushing through, they recognize the tightness in their chest or the feeling that they can’t seem to calm their mind, and they take it as a sign to pause and slow down. It’s all about creating boundaries and balance that protect your energy.
They’re able to take breaks without feeling guilty or step back from people and situations that are draining. Being able to listen to your nervous system is really just about starting to listen to yourself and to what your needs are in that moment.
- They don’t hide their love
Perez encouraged people to always let their family and friends know how much they care about them, and that people who are usually content in life do this all the time. Life is too short to just assume that the people we know are already aware of how much we love them. But the truth is, no one ever gets tired of being reminded.
“Expressing your feelings can be a form of intimacy that enhances relationships when it’s done in the context of a close relationship. Verbalizing your caring is a way of deepening your connection,” explained psychologist Karyn Hall.
Given the number of people who might be scared to be vulnerable, the happiest people don’t let their ego or fear of rejection get in the way of nurturing the connections in their lives. When you finally allow yourself to be open and honest with the people you hold dear, you might be surprised how much better (and happier) you end up feeling.
In September 2023 I took a trip to Chicago (where I lived in the 1980’s) with my niece. We had such a great time and when I got home, I was filled with so much joy! And I thought to myself, My Joy Jar is full!
So, that year my holiday gift to my special friends was a Joy Jar that I made. The concept is to fill it with experiences or thoughts that make you feel happy and joyful. It can be something little or something profound. Hopefully, you find at least one thing per day that makes you happy, write it down and put it into the jar. After a month, a few months, a year, or whenever you are feeling down and need a pick-me-up, pull out a note and read it and remember how it made you feel happy and joyful.
This week’s focus is on feeling joy. Are you grateful for the little things in life? How easy is it for you to say “no” to things that are causing you stress? Do you let your friends and family know how much you love them?
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