I wonder how it is that such a seemingly small and insignificant word carries such immense importance in our language? When people are being taught English as a second language is a day devoted to “if”, is it explained that this is the fulcrum of the seesaw of life?
If I knew…
If I had…
If …………..
This is the very word that sits waiting for us at every crossroads in our lives, if I turn left or if I turn right. And it remains there like a ghost to torment us on our mental voyages back to those very moments If only I knew then what I know now, If I had said no instead of yes, if I had asked why, If I tried harder.
The very word “If” should give you a greater sinking feeling than any other, because it carries with it all the responsibility of how something turned out ….
…..or will turn out.
If you try harder
If you practice
If you do
If you don’t
When I lie it down and dissect this little word, open it up from stem to stern – I find responsibility, guilt, shame, regret, sadness, floating in hopelessness. It says you could have changed the course of events and you alone are accountable –
It’s a terrible word.
