Ever since I read fellow slicer, Molly Hogan's blog I have been intrigued with a new word, coddiwomple. What does it mean?, I wondered. The word has a lilt to it, making me think of our family's winter walk in Reston, Virginia.
Coddiwomple
Under a winter sky,
she meanders down the trail,
stopping to notice the sun's brilliance
casting shadows along the path.
Pausing, she wonders, peeking into fallen logs.
"Where are the animals?" Then, moves on
following the sounds of the woods.
A wayfarer of life marks her steps
finding solace in the winter woods
as she coddiwomples along.
©CV, 2020
(coddiwomple- a slang word to move or travel for a purpose but without any fixed destination)
Oh, to be a child again, finding delight in simple walks, intrigued by nature and the beauty of the woods on a winter day! Watching my 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter walk along the path made for a joyful family outing. While most of us did not know the trail, we traveled to soak in the warmth of the sun, delighting in the weather and the sights. It was time to inhale the fresh air, purposefully walking and talking as a family and being surprised by a small stream that we needed to cross. "Balancing on the rocks-could we do this, my husband and I wondered?" If my granddaughter could cross the stream without fear, we could. I was the first to cross over successfully but managed to get my sneaker wet by stepping in the water on top of the rock. With a positive outlook, I realized that I conquered a small fear, and kept my balance without falling into the stream. When my husband and son finally made it to the other side of the stream, we kept moving on, feeling proud of our accomplishment.
How often do we walk through life fearful of tasks or situations? Can we accept life with its challenges and victories? We can choose to move on with a positive attitude, purposefully coddiwompling on our journey. Understanding that our destination is not a fixed one, helps us realize that life is fragile and uncertain with many turns, detours, and crossings to encounter. In our personal and professional lives, we journey onward realizing that it takes courage, stamina, and faith to walk the walk. On a winter day, I found contentment in a simple family walk.
It's Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers.
Join me there to read a variety of posts and check out the 2020 March Slice of Life Challenge.
What a beautiful slice! You took a small moment and made it large by connecting it to a deeper meaning. I love this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment. What you said is exactly what I was attempting to do and I am so glad that you noticed my efforts. Many thanks...
DeleteI love this new word, “coddiwomple”! How fitting it is for a meandering stroll through the woods, and what expert coddiwomplers children are!
ReplyDeleteCoddiwomple is a great word to play with, Glenda. Have fun on your retirement journey coddiwompling about.
DeleteI wonder when we start letting fear run our lives. I sometimes think about how much I missed out on doing or put off doing because of fear of fear of failure.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we can't go backwards so the best bet is to live life full of positivity.
DeleteLOVE this, and excited to learn the word “coddiwomple.” The idea of traveling with a purpose but without a destination reminds me of the distinction between goals and values in contextual psychology. When we have goals, we care less about the process than the outcome. But when we’re acting in accordance with our values—or “coddiwompling through life,” as you put it—the process itself becomes the important outcome.
ReplyDeleteA striking difference-YES, our process is important, Lauren. Let's talk about your guest moderation of #NYEDChat.
DeleteOn NPR this morning was a story about the Chinese in Wuhan who are working tireless to fight the Corona virus. I thought of their optimism as they conquer fear everyday for the common good. Your post brought that to mind.
ReplyDeleteI thank you for letting me know your thoughts, Janice. Optimism and positivity are tools to build a better tomorrow.
DeleteA new word for me. And what a beautiful slice grew out of this inspiration. To walk with a child is a great reminder to just be, explore and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYou know that your statement about walking with a child is so true. Your eyes have to be always on the watch and open for new surprises. Thank you for joining me, Terje. Have a wonderful day.
DeleteI love this word! Your writing is lovely and full of joy. This slice makes me think of Pooh and the Hundred Acre Woods. I think coddiwomple would be a great One Little Word for the year!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of coddliwomple as a OLW but maybe you are on to something, Beth.
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