Resigning or Aligning and the importance of Defining Choices

This is a blog about semantics but not in the passé way that most of us are used to addressing the topic (i.e., “that’s just semantics”) but rather, this is blog about how semantics, language choice, and the way in which you frame your life DOES matter. As a sex therapist, I encounter this in many forms often during times of change for clients. Losing a job, losing a lover, losing part of one’s identity are ripe with grief, change, and herald new reality. So how will you handle the change coming your way or the shift you’re in right now? Will you resign or align?

Aligning is Acceptance of reality- whether that’s the stage of life (student, newly wed or parent), employment, or the realization of ones true gender or sexuality, or relationship status.
Resigning is to acknowledge the reality but do nothing about it, thus remaining in a state of dis-integration or “stuck-ness” in a cycle of discontentment.

Word choice is important in writing, speaking, advertising and all forms of communication. It influences our attitudes and moods; so, it is important when it comes to describing ourselves and situations. I love choices. I love knowing there are always choices and I love helping clients to recognize their choices.

Semantics matters. It can mean the difference between passive or active choosing. Think about this the next time you have the opportunity to influence your own experience. How will you frame it?