Though it has existed since the beginning of time, this particular word is way too prevalent these days. It’s likely touched your life in some way that you may – or may not – be aware of. The word is “loss.” A number of losses that are obvious can result in feelings of grief, overwhelming sadness, and physical maladies. They may even spark major life changes. Others are not necessarily recognized as such and though insidious, can evoke the same responses. 

If you are worried by the title that I’m here to talk about those vile creatures Khan put in poor Pavel Chekov’s ear in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, put your mind at ease. They are totally in another dimension along with eugenically enhanced humans. Everyone knows that. I’ve seen that Star Trek movie countless times since its 1982 release. Some things bear repetition. No, I’m talking about those things that get in our head, for better or worse, and we can’t seem to shake them. 

No, not that “F word.” Not the one that I heard so often while working on the thoroughbred racetrack in my 20’s from people who punctuated their sentences with the expression as a matter of course. In order to sound tough, I guess. But as a visualizer, I jumped nearly every time I heard it because the “movie” of that “activity” replayed in my brain. I could live the rest of my days without that word entering my ears and be perfectly, delightfully happy.