Somehow it’s been four months since the last installment of [Sam]antics! I figured you all must be in withdrawal right now (I know I am!), so here are the latest additions to the Life’s Chocolates’ Dictionary:

[Out]look: Changing our outlook on life might force us to step outside our comfort zone, but instead of looking that as a scary thing, look at is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, to learn and grow.

Re[cog]nize: There’s a reason this word has the same root as cognizant. We have to fully aware of something, be totally attuned with our whole being, to truly recognize it.

Gr[atitude]: I think it’s very fitting that you can almost spell attitude from this one. Being grateful is an attitude, a state of mind, an outlook. It’s not just a fleeting moment when you realize you should have said thanks.

Present: The present is a present, it’s a gift, and we shouldn’t take it for granted. Sure, things may not be perfect right now, but if nothing else, we’re lucky to be alive, and we should do our best to appreciate every moment we’re given.

B[log]: Whatever the purpose of your blog, be it business or pleasure, a full-time job or a hobby on the side, it is a log of your thoughts. Be proud of what you record there, so you can look back later in life and be happy with how you represented yourself, and reminded of how much you’ve grown.

[Quest]ion: It sounds cliche, but it’s true: There are very few easy answers in life. We have to search and struggle and overcome obstacles to find answers to the questions that mean the most to us. It’s as if we’re on a quest, traveling a difficult and challenging route, but it’s all worth it when we reach our destination.

What do you think of my definitions? Do you have some alternates of your own? Any suggestions for the next round of [Sam]antics?

In case you missed out on previous editions of [Sam]antics, all you need to know is that I love words, and I like to find meaning beyond the dictionary definition. Enjoy the following random assortment, and share your thoughts. Happy Friday!

[Vacat]ion: When you go on vacation, truly “vacate” your life. Leave the worry and stress behind, unplug, and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.

Re[move]: Whether you’re removing yourself from a situation, removing something from your closet, or removing someone from your life, let yourself move on.

Sh[out]: Plain and simple: shout, let it out. Literally jump for joy. Dance in your kitchen. Give yourself a moment of pure happiness, no holds barred.

Lov[able] + Cap[able]: Always remember that you are “able,” you can do whatever you set your mind to. The only thing that’s stopping you is you. You have the capacity to love and be loved. Just believe in yourself.

[Obst]acle: There’s a reason this word has the same root as obstinate. Obstacles are stubborn, but although they may seem immovable, they can be overcome. After all, it’s not called an imposstacle.

[Good]bye: As difficult as it may be, sometimes saying bye can be a good thing. In fact, it may end up being one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Try to look for the good in goodbyes.

For this edition of [Sam]antics, I decided to decode some of the corny inspirational quotes that you find in yearbooks, scrapbooks, collages, and Facebook quote sections. Believe it or not, if you can get over the cliches and the extreme sappiness, some of them are actually pretty inspirational. So, without further ado:

“The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on the porch and swing with, never say a word, and walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.”

This is one of my favorites, and something I truly believe. When you find this kind of friend, who knows what you’re going to say before you say it, who can tell how you’re feeling just by looking at you, and who will sit on the porch and swing with you because they know that’s all you need…hold on tight.

“A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

One of the hardest times in a friendship is when one person is going through a particularly tough time. Some people can’t handle this, and either purposely or subconsciously distance themselves from their friend. The true friends realize that this is when your friend needs you most.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us”–Helen Keller

Originally, I had this simple quote: “Every ending is just a new beginning.” But, Helen Keller’s version really encapsulates the message I wanted to share.  Endings are so difficult, and it often seems impossible to find the good in them. But, if you spend too much time dwelling on the sadness of that ending, you might miss out on a new beginning.  So, give yourself some time to regain your strength, but be sure to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller

Wise words from a guy who skipped school, and so true. It’s easy to become consumed with achieving our goals, working hard, and becoming better versions of ourselves, but what good is success without happiness? It’s great to be driven and motivated, but don’t forget to put your foot on the brake every once and while and appreciate how far you’ve come.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”–Henry David Thoreau

We all have dreams, some more lofty than others. I know there are a lot of different interpretations of this quote, but the words I focus on are “in the direction.”  Dream, set goals, and then start working towards reaching them. Give it your best effort, so that even if you don’t quite get there, you’ll know that you did all you could. Another important word is “confidently.” Don’t ever let anybody discourage you from pursuing your dreams, they’re your dreams after all.

“‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” –Alfred Lord Tennyson

This is another one that sounds great until you’re actually experiencing it. Let’s be honest, heartbreak sucks, and it often takes a long time to recover. Give yourself some time, don’t force it, but when you’re ready, take a moment and look back on that love. Chances are that it taught you something pretty valuable about yourself. And, as painful as losing love may be, would you really have been happier if you had never known that feeling?

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” –Forest Gump

I figured the inspiration for the concept behind this blog would be a fitting ending to this post. The reason I chose to call my blog “Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates,” is because I really believe in the wisdom of this quote. When you open a box of chocolates and take a bite of one, you’re not always sure what combination of tastes will tantalize your taste buds. Sometimes you’re happy with the chocolate you’ve chosen. It’s satisfying, and it makes you smile. Other times, it’s not what you expected, so you spit it out and try again. Such is life.

I hope you enjoyed this new take on [Sam]antics!  These are my own personal interpretations of these quotes, and they may not be the same as the way they were originally intended…but, that’s the point!  As always, I welcome any feedback or suggestions for future editions.

I’ve written some pretty heavy posts this week, and I got such great feedback from my first installment of [Sam]antics, that I thought it would be a great way to end the week. So, here we go:

Ad[venture]: The “venture” in adventure does not apply only to a physical act, but also the emotional. It can be as much of an adventure to venture outside your comfort zone as it is to venture outside of the country.

For[give]ness: When we give something, it usually means we can’t take it back. So, when you forgive someone, make sure you really mean it.

De[vote]d: Often when we become devoted to something or someone, we do so without realizing the magnitude of our commitment, our devotion may be beyond our control, we may never get a vote.

C[harm]ing: Charm can be someone’s best feature or their worst.  Don’t expect the worst of everyone, but also keep in the back of your mind that there are people who use charm to do harm.

[Inter][net]: If you’re reading this, you probably spend as much time on the Internet as I do. I am constantly amazed by how the Internet brings people together. If you expanded the root words, it would fittingly become “interactive network.”

Net[work]: Yes, the Internet is a great tool to connect to people, but what some often forget is that building a quality network takes work.

[Busi]ness: How ironic that within the word business is essentially the word “busy.”

Accomplish[ment]: The importance of the word accomplish is obvious,  but also remember that your greatest accomplishments are probably the ones that meant the most to you.

Re[lease]: Writing is my release because I often find that it gives me a new lease on life. (What’s your release?)

I hope you enjoyed this Friday edition of [Sam]antics. As always, feel free to leave your own word interpretations or suggestions for the next round, and have a wonderful weekend!

I love words. The written word is how I express myself, it’s my passion, my release, my escape. One of the things I love about words is how they can mean so many different things. I also enjoy plays on words, so I’m combining all of these things in today’s post for a lesson in  [Sam]antics (yes, I know it’s really semantics, but that’s not my name!) Here’s the Life’s Chocolates take on some familiar words:

Fri[end][ship]:  The way I see it, friendships are a journey (ship), and though some may not survive, the best ones will never end.

[Relat]ion[ship]: Just like friendships, relationships are a journey, but the root of this word is relate, and it’s finding ways to relate that allows relationships to endure.

S[mile]: The best smiles go on for miles.

T[we]et: Tweeting on Twitter allows us to be part of a “we.” It establishes a sense of community.

T[each]: We each have something to teach one another, whether we realize it or not.

L[earn]: Some lessons don’t come so easily; we have to earn them.

L[one]ly: One + one=lonely no more.

Bea[u]tiful: No matter how many people tell you that you’re beautiful, what really matters is that you believe it.

[Famil]iar: When all else fails, it’s your family who can remind you of who you are and who you want to be.

Com[fort]able: To protect ourselves from the unknown, we often build a fort, but it’s important to realize that sometimes it’s okay to let our walls down.

So, what do you think of my definitions? What else do you see in these words? Can you apply [Sam]antics to other words? I’d love to hear about them!