Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis

Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is the longest word in any of the major English dictionaries. It is 45 letters in length and is a word that refers to a serious lung disease contracted from the inhalation of very fine silica particles, specifically from a volcano. This rare medical condition has no cure and is fatal. 

The word was invented in 1935 by Everett Smith, president of the National Puzzlers League and was first published in the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 1939.  It has held the distinction of being the longest word since that time.  By the way, there really is a National Puzzlers League - http://www.puzzlers.org/dokuwiki/doku.php 

If you try to pronounce it, you may run out of breath.  Go ahead, give it a try: 

NYOO-muh-noh-ul-truh-my-kruh-skop-ik-SIL-i-koh-vol-kay-noh-koh-nee-OH-siss.  

Here is one author who used it in a sentence:  

"This time the messages were longer and nastier. 'What on earth is the matter with you? Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis?'" Marion Thomas; Mystery Writer; Curriculum Corporation; 1998.

Okay, it may not be a useful word for most of us, but it is fun to know. For all of you Puzzlers out there, it may come up in a crossword sometime.   

"In the course of my life, I have often had to eat my words, and I must confess that I have always found it a wholesome diet."  Winston Churchill

Heterodox

Heterodox is an adjective which describes someone who holds views or opinions that are not in accordance with established beliefs or tradition.  Someone who may be considered to be unorthodox or unconventional.   

Most often this word is used in the context of theology referring to people who challenge church doctrine and dogma.  The word is also used in the context of economics, science, medicine and technology.  Think of the advancements that have been achieved in these areas because people challenged acceptable beliefs and pursued unpopular theories and ideas. 

I like to be around people who view the world outside the bounds of acceptable standards or opinions because they cause me to think about things differently and allow for thoughtful individual choices. It takes courage to state unpopular and seemingly impossible ideas.  I am thankful for those who do.  

 Here is an example of how the word is used in a sentence: 

"Darwin replied that a deity who did that would have to foresee everything in evolutionary history, leading to a very heterodox theology."

 Here s a quote using the word: 


"Heterodox doctrines, in economics and elsewhere, often fail to get adequately discussed in their formative stages.  Paul Krugman, “Is Capitalism Too Productive?,” Foreign Affairs 76, no. 5 (1997), p. 80.


What do you think of this word?

Resilient

The word resilient (adjective) is defined as the ability to withstand shock without permanent damage. It is the ability to cope with stress, adversity and uncertainty.   A person with a high level of resilience tends to recover or adjust easily to misfortune and change.  


Being resilient is not a personality trait, it is a learned skill, a process and an attitude. It is a cognitive state on how we view the world and ourselves.  We can build up our resilience to life events, much the same way we build up our immunity to illness.  Maintaining a healthy physical and mental lifestyle is the foundation for developing greater levels of resilience.  Building resilience is an individual, personal journey. The American Psychological Association has a great article with some helpful tips on learning how to build resilience.  http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx


"If you voluntarily quit in the face of adversity, you'll wonder about it the rest of your life."  Former President Bill Clinton


"The bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you refuse to take the turn"  Author Unknown

Reflection

Reflection is a commonly used word that requires us to search deep within ourselves.  Its origin is from England (1350 to 1400).   It is a noun that means: 

• the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
• an image; representation; counterpart.
• a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.
• a thought occurring in consideration or meditation.
• an unfavorable remark or observation.

The act of reflection can be external, such as looking into a mirror; or internal,  such as reflecting on past or present life events.  Internal reflection can be healthy, if it is used to learn and grow and then move forward.  It can also be unhealthy, if it is obsessive and we get stuck focused on something that we cannot control or change. 

Many people spend a lot of time looking in the mirror with great concern about their physical appearance.  In my opinion, the best time spent and the greatest treat we can give ourselves is at least an hour of quiet reflection time each day.  It can help us to stay grounded so that we view the world and our lives in proper perspective and keep our priorities straight.  Without this time, we often find ourselves at the mercy of endless "to do" lists that only provide minor satisfaction, if any, when complete.  Quiet time for reflection can help us to walk through each day with a truer sense of purpose.  I refer to this quiet time as "me time".  It is a selfish indulgence that can become addictive, in a good way.  The benefits outweigh the time away from daily obligations and duties and the results will be appreciated by your family, friends and co-workers.  Try it. 

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest"   Confucius

"Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for people"  Albert Einstein

"The way life treats you is a merciless mirror image of your attitude toward life"  Unknown