As part of the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’m writing a manifesto of what I believe and what delights me, based on unusual words. Today we’re stopping at the letter H.
I especially love the word I’ve chosen for today because while we know it as defined in one way, its archaic meaning is something different. I’m fascinated by those progressions and shifts and unfoldings that make language dynamic. And while we often believe progress is infinitely more desireable and the faster we can get rid of the old the better, I think it can be helpful and informative to return to origins and see what magic they held.
In any case, let me introduce you to today’s word: heyday.
While we know heyday as the time when something or someone is most successful, or popular, or at its zenith, the arachic definition, with its first known usage in 1599, is: “high spirits; expression of elation or wonder.”
I think it’s a perfect word for my manifesto. I often like to say I think my purpose in life is to keep my feet on the joy trail and my eyes open to the wonder and magic of the everyday sacred.
Just this morning I’m inclined to say heyday! to these fabulousities – what I hope is the final visit from Jack Frost to my windows until next winter; this rock and all its beautiful markings and inclusions; my sweet cat friend Solaria.
I love living in a world where I can exclaim heyday frequently – there are so many curious, fascinating, spectacular wonders populating this realm and I delight in focusing my attention and intention on noticing and appreciating them.
What about you? What has you declaring heyday! today? Have a favorite word that has morphed in its meaning over time? Have something you’d like to declare in the manifesto of you? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
If the snow they predicted shows up today, I will revel in its beauty and remember it was a snowfall that influenced the creation of my murder series set in Alaska. LOL Sounds odd, but while it’s about murder, I know it’s the love story that’s most important. 🙂
Love that Yolanda!
Today is a lovely day on Vancouver Island. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, the trees are green – I think it is time for a little adventure trip.
Evalina, This and that…
How wonderful Evalina – enjoy!
Heyday! Great word. I was having a heyday selling some of my crafts at a craft fair today and hopefully I’ll be having an even better Heyday tomorrow!
How fun Janet. Wishing you a wildly successful and delightful day tomorrow as well.
Interesting, as I think of “heyday” as when something peaked. When jazz was in its heyday, people came from all around to listen. Thanks for a new way to look at the term.
Beth Lapin
Activities for a Good Life
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
It’s fun to reclaim the archaic meaning so we now have two ways to use the word. Thanks for stopping by Beth!
I never realized it before, but I do say this word, in its original meaning all the time!!! I say that I was having a heyday doing this or that, when I was having a good time. Not sure I’m using it correctly though..,
Nice going Amy. You’re a wayshower!
Oh, how I LOVE your purpose in life! I want to remember that phrase ‘stay on the joy trail and keep my eyes to the wonders around me.” BRILLIANT!!
Thanks Elda. Here’s to joy and wonder for us all.
Lovely post Deborah thank you! I also like Beth recall the word used being the peak of .. so and so, or an era of life and so on … so it is interesting to read of its original meaning. Sounds also just a nice/great sounding word, with a lot of energy!
I love this word Susan – and knowing its older and more current meanings really feels like it unpacks it into much more spaciousness. BTW – thanks for stopping by and saying hi.