Are These Words from the Heart?

I’ve been struck lately by the number of times I hear people saying little positive aphorisms like, “Grateful for you” instead of thank you, or “Humbled by your service,” or “Thankful for you,” or “Appreciate you.” Where and when did these expressions start taking hold? I used to think making an effort to say “Thank you” in a sincere fashion was enough, and I try to make a point of expressing that appreciation. Now, I’m wondering if it’s enough.

To me, these new expressions seem corny and a bit contrived. Am I being cynical? It seems a bit evangelical, and makes me a touch uncomfortable; I don’t quite know what to make of it all. Are we trying too hard, trying to be noticed for our enlightenment?

I hear the words ‘gratitude’ and ‘humbled’ a lot more. Are these the new catch words, ones we are beginning to bandy about to the point they lose their impact, their real meaning? I’m afraid they will become trite responses rather than the positive traits we constantly need to work to achieve.

Don’t get me wrong. I hope the fact people are using these words means the values they represent are being widely considered as constructs we need to embrace and be more conscious of internalizing and expressing. But merely saying the word doesn’t make us adopt its meaning. Yet, it begs the question, is this the dawn of a new awakening, or is this just fallout from the business of appearing Woke? My cynical self can’t help but fear it’s the latter. I have to say I much prefer a very sincere ‘Thank you’ to the rest of this. I just can’t help but think there’s some background baggage involved, and it makes me uneasy.

All that said, this is the season to express gratitude and thankfulness. We did just finish Thanksgiving after all, and are now full bore on making our way to Christmas. Maybe all this humility and gratitude that’s supposedly flying around is the result from more of us than ever being of ‘that age.’ You know, the one where you’re still happy to be upright rather than six feet under. I’m consciously trying to not use that grateful word. Then again, there is the grumpy quotient at work here, too. Can I be grumpy and grateful? Can I strike a bargain to divide my time between the two? Challenge myself to get the grumpy out early and get on the more mellow, more spiritual aspect of gratitude. How meditative. I might have to try that.

Well, I think you get the idea. I have no clue what’s happening in the broader, social aspects of using these words of satisfaction, gratitude and happiness. I just don’t think we are really any more of those things than we have ever been. A little grumpiness now and then is good. Get out the frustrations, let the old man out to rumble around for a bit, then shut him down and get back to the brass tacks of enjoying yourself. There! I’ve just talked myself into it. I can be grumpy and grateful! And what better time of year to practice. Shopping crowds, people all jostling for an advantage, upset about holiday traffic, the crappy weather. Plenty of ammo to be both Scrooge and Tiny Tim.

It might make me uncomfortable, but if you’re daring you might even choose those Bobby McFerrin words to ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy.’ Being upright seems like a good place to start.

Happy Holidays!

Bah, humbug.