I’m still waffling–still feeling the opposite of ennui (which I wrote about last week). No decision seems right at the moment.
Waffling
Waffle is a language without meaning; blathering, babbling, droning. One might waffle throughout an essay or a presentation, when not having enough material, or needing to fill in time. The term may be derived from the Scots verb waff, “to wave, fluctuate”.
To waffle, particularly in the U.S., can also denote indecision about particular subjects, or changing one’s mind frequently on a topic…it can be used as a derogatory term; to describe, for instance, a candidate or politician who is considered to easily switch sides on issues to curry political favor (i.e. “flip-flop”), as an easily flipped breakfast food with the same name–and they mentioned Gary Larson’s depiction of Bill Clinton, which I have no recollection of:
Waffling and mindfulness
In the interest of mindfulness, I’ve chosen to accept my waffling. I’ve been using Tara Brach’s RAIN technique–recognize, allow, investigate, nurture. My indecision is still undecided, but I feel at peace with that–at least from time to time. It hasn’t gone away, but we are peacefully coexisting. And as Elizabeth Gilbert writes in “Big Magic” about her fear–it’s allowed to come along, and say what it wants, but it doesn’t get to make decisions or drive!
A haiku about waffling.
Waffling is a funny word, isn’t it. When I spoke with a friend of mine earlier today, I told her I felt like a giant waffle because I can’t make up my mind about what to do about my job and my life. As I think about it, I think I’ll be a heart-shaped waffle, and maybe I should move into a waffle house.
I wanted to write a poem about waffling, but I could decide what kind of poem to write–pretty funny! But I finally settled on haiku.
Slathered with butter
Christened with maple syrup
Launched into waffledom.
Poetry Friday
I’m so grateful to Poetry Friday. Every Friday (almost), I write a poem about something that’s on my mind. It’s just the littlest bit of structure to support me in doing something I love to do. This week, Catherine, at Reading to the Core, hosts Poetry Friday. Be sure to check out her lovely mermaid poem!
And thanks to all of you for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy some waffles–or some waffling.
xoxo
Susan, this is a beautiful post. I adore looking at the origins of a word and applying it to life. I love that you are embracing waffling…and Big Magic is one of my most played audible books. I just love listening to Liz Gilbert as my own personal cheerleader. Thank you for sharing this haiku….launching right into the stickiness of waffling.
Thanks, Linda. Word origins are fascinating. I tried to find out the connection between the food and the action, but I’m not sure I got to the bottom of it. After all, as my daughter pointed out, you don’t really flip waffles!
And I think Liz Gilbert is fabulous–I often turn to her for inspiration.
Guess I know what I’m making for breakfast! Seriously, Susan, thanks for all the effort you put into your posts. I really love that quote about fear. And the Self-portrait as Waffle is adorable. (My daughter had a virtual date after all.)
That quote from Elizabeth Gilbert is one I reread often. I think I’ll print it out and put it somewhere where I can see it often. I hope your daughter enjoyed her virtual date–dating is hard enough without having to think about whether or not it might make your family sick.
Wish you could have heard my guwaff, chuckle, laff-roar outl oud ~ just with your title. Susan! Appreciations 😉
Thanks, Jan! If I can find a little humor in these difficult times, it really helps me to keep things in perspective.
Hi susan! above you have said , “My indecision is still undecided” but I feel at peace with that–at least from time to time . how waffling always keep us solitery reaper and why not??mindfulness is better than to be waff.
Susan, I love this post and how kind and funny and accepting it is. Sometimes, just looking at something and saying, “Yep, that’s something,” makes it feel more manageable. I love the use of “christened” in your haiku…
Thanks, Laura. Resisting these feelings definitely makes me feel worse- not that I don’t sometimes. But I’m learning!
Thank you for this honest, heartfelt post, Susan. I also appreciate the Elizabeth Gilbert quote. I have been letting fear make some decisions lately, and it’s not healthy. The origin of “waffle” is fascinating; I usually just think of breakfast when I hear the word.
Thanks! I usually think of breakfast food, too. But the other, less yummy meaning popped into my head a few days ago.
Ours, soul blossom ! In the last valentine. I meet my peers girls & chat long time memory injected hear.She wishes me “lol” type costly memories.yours poems really mesmerized both of us. Thanks ! a lot.
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Hi susan! how waffling always keep us solitery reaper and why not??mindfulness is better than to be waff. Isn’t to be waffle is some times becomes extra burden for us.
Hi susan! yours prediction on ” waffling ” alway becomes pious .I too faced such a deformities instances in my life