"Variety is the spice of life."
If you are a levity coaching client of mine currently, you will probably roll your eyes and say, “Alrighty, Katie” as I have been on a quite a bender about this word lately.
Outlandish.
Poor Outlandish. It gets such a bad rap really. I mean, if you look it up in the dictionary one definition is “freakishly or grotesquely strange or odd, as appearance, dress, objects, ideas, or practices; bizarre: outlandish clothes; outlandish questions.” Yikes. How awful. Who would knowingly want to have that in their life?
But what my little eytmology junkie self found upon further research is that its origin “utlendisc”(O.E.) means “being from a foreign land”.
Wow.
Who would have thought it necessary to deem things that are unknown to us or foreign as “freakishly odd and bizarre”?
It has made me think about whether or not it is healthy to approach new ideas and experiences in this way. By labeling what is yet unknown as negative and disturbing (much in the same way my kids approach new foods) it seems we are only hindering our personal growth and exploration.
Outlandish is the breath of fresh air that shakes up the cobwebs we create as we strive for predictability and control.
When we allow ourselves to teeter on the edge of outlandish, we are freer to solve problems creatively and re-frame old situations in a new light. When we allow ourselves the space to be more daring and outlandish, we create movement in our life. And when we allow ourselves to experience the outlandishness of play in our daily life, we can see our lives as opportunities rather than obligations.
Yet still, it is as if there is an imposing adult voice saying that “outlandish” is not appropriate or acceptable. And given the definition, that makes sense.
I think the word”outlandish” could use a make over.
What if we redefined outlandish as “having spring in one’s step?” Or “enjoying life deliciousness” or “going boldy where no one has gone before?”
How would you like to redefine “outlandish” so that bringing something new into our lives was seen in a more positive light?
and
What could you do this week that a part of you might say is too “outlandish”? (but the rest of you knows would be oh so excellent for you)
Do it and please share your boldness with us so that you might inspire someone else!
In honor of all that we may unfairly deem outlandish, I am sharing with you one of my all time favorite videos of three Israeli musicians who use gibberish and laughter with the goal of creating peace. Whenever I watch this, it reminds me to get outside of my little box of what is appropriate and acceptable in favor of dreaming wildly and big.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Alrighty, Katie -
This outlandish behavior has got to … continue!
For some reason, I kind of like the words “freakishly” and “bizarre”. Hmmm, I wonder what that means?
So, this makeover: how about bordering on crazy, with a whole bunch of wow, and a heap of fun!
Where’s outlandish in my life? Well…there’s definitely something that qualifies as outlandish in the works. It’s not ready for primetime yet, we’re probably a couple of weeks out. Let’s just say, if it goes as planned, there’ll be video…
And speaking of video – I love the gibberish singing!!
Hi Katie,
I am with you on the word “outlandish” needing a makeover. So often people limit life by labeling things as being good or bad which never makes any sense to me.
Life is short and has to be lived to the fullest. Of course, I have been accused of being outlandish because I just do not believe in the impossible. So if not believing in limits is outlandish…than I am happy to be outlandish.
Hi, Katie!
I rather like your new definitions, as well as Lance’s.
Outlandish (adj): Mind-and-awareness-expanding person, thing or experience that awakens the playful child in us.
Now, as for what I’d like to do that’s outlandish… I’m not sure I can talk about it here without a parental guidance rating that’s just above a PG-13! (smile)
Have a great weekend!
I didn’t know you were an etymology buff too?! I majored in Classical Studies/Latin in college. And I agree whole-heartedly that outlandish is getting a bad rap. I am very excited that you are taking definitions and throwing them right into people’s faces to truly contemplate “what” we are saying when we speak/write/etc. Words have taken on our pre-conceived notions, been completely corrupted from their original beautiful meaning. Take ‘em on girl!
PS – Could you also tackle success…I feel this is one of the WORST offenders!
When I think of the word outlandish the word weird has this same connotation. People think weird is bad too. Weird and outlandish aren’t bad they are the bread and butter of marketing. Because what gets out attention is what we remember. We need to embrace these words and not be afraid of them because they have such grand power.
Katie,
I think we should be taught as kids how to be outlandish or “out on a whim” doing something fun and crazy. Love the video…what can I do this week to be outlandish? I think I’ll leave someone a big fat tip the first chance I get. I’ll leave it with a smiley face on the napkin!