When contemplating this column, I found myself researching what seems like a simple word, “difference.” As it turns out, “difference” is what is known as a polysemous word, not a homonym.
“What’s the difference,” one might ask? Or, maybe most of us don’t care, since when we were youngsters, we automatically learned the differences in the usage of words. All we did was exist, and listen.
The word, “difference” can mean, unlikeness, as in “we have differences of opinion.” Or, it can mean, distinctions have been made such as, “it is my opinion that generics have important differences from name brands.” Also, it can mean, a significant change in a situation, such as “idealists really want to make a difference in the world.”
There are many different meanings for the word “difference,” depending upon context. A homonym, on the other hand is really two or more words spelled and pronounced the same. For example, “bark” is a homonym, because it can mean the outer jacket of a tree or the sound most dogs make.
I’m rather certain that at least a few of you are thinking, “wow, she’s really different that she thinks about this kind of stuff.” In contrast, because I write about such random tidbits, perhaps I made a difference to just one person who is distracted for a moment from their everyday problems, concerns, or hullabaloo, by my writing.
The fact that you are a reader, makes you more powerful than me as a writer. You can “beg to differ” with anything or everything that writer’s write. Considering the fact that the “begging” in that phrase is usually intended not as an act of contrition or humility, or asking permission to disagree with a writer’s stance, but a sarcastic comment regarding a difference of opinion.
There are certain powers in this world that make “all the difference” in the lives of others. Prayer is one of them. Even if you are an unbeliever, the fact that someone, or many people have prayed for you, makes all the difference in a difficult situation. Prayer is the ultimate act of human caring, not to mention faith.
Prayer is people’s effort on your behalf to reach a higher power, beyond themselves. Maybe it’s a recognition that they can’t help you in their own steam so they are going the extra step to seek better help for you.
Prayer is not a last resort, but the first act of faith toward the best outcome. Prayer is the first step of counsel, as it confers with “The Mighty Counselor.” Second steps of counsel might be a doctor, a chiropractor, a surgeon, medicines, a therapist, herbal or alternative remedies or treatments.
So, when someone offers prayer, whether you are or they are believers or not, it is the ultimate compliment of care for you. Accept it, it can make “all the difference.”
Having a supportive partner, makes “all the difference” in life. I can’t personally speak to the opposite, but I’ve seen the struggles of those who lack a partner who has their back.
Pets can make “all the difference” between a bad day and a better one. Just the simple act of petting your fur-baby lowers one’s blood pressure, offers us a bit of peace, and redirects one’s attention toward your pet and away from yourself.
Knowing origins and history makes “all the difference” in understanding customs, mores, traditions, and cultural ways. Our lives are so very informed by the historical past. I think we should know from whence it all comes. Knowledge of origins and history can make “all the difference” in how we perceive various customs, songs, stories, or ways.
Simple conversational gestures such as “thank you” or “I’m sorry,” make “all the difference” to someone who is challenged by their day. Genuine compliments, like “where did you get those wonderful shoes?” or “I like your necklace,” can remarkably brighten someone’s day.
Have you ever noticed that the kindness of appreciation, a helping hand, even a gentle touch on the arm or shoulder makes “all the difference” in how someone feels about themselves? Even, that you notice them is a powerful acknowledgement that a person is not invisible, but seen. These things make “all the difference.”
That someone tells you that they are in the same boat as you, can make “all the difference” in how you feel about a difficult situation. Feeling alone in a negative circumstance doubles the pain. But, when someone tells you, “I’m going through the same thing. I know how you feel,” it truly makes “all the difference.”
So don’t hold everything close to your chest and bear the burden alone. It might help someone else if you discreetly share your frustrations with someone else now and again. I’m not suggesting that you overshare your most intimate dealings, or go around broadcasting all of your dirty laundry – I said discreetly!
As it turns out, sharing your vulnerability with another person really just reveals your humanity. People may have been under the mistaken impression that since you don’t share your struggles, that you are superwoman or superman, but in reality, you are just another one of us.
You’re no better than me or worse than me, or just like me. But we all have “things” …. and it makes “all the difference” that people know that.