There is a word that we all commonly use, but today I want you to consider that perhaps you use it too often. The word is 'just', I'm suggesting that you just use it too much. (My little joke there.)
The way we commonly use the word and the way that you frequently hear it actually comes across as a put-down. As in "she's just a housewife." Really? Being a housewife is less worthy than something else?
After watching the 2024 Olympics, a good example comes to mind. Would you say, "He's just a teenager."? How many of the medalists in the Olympics (present and past) were teenagers? Teenagers can accomplish amazing things. So each one of them is not just a teenager. Wouldn't it be more accurate to say, "He's still a teenager."?
Or, how about, "He's just a plumber."? It sounds like he didn't make it to something better. He's just a plumber. When you've got a leaky pipe in your house, do you want a doctor of something? Philosophy? Physics? Medicine? Of course I'm being facetious, but what you really want is a PLUMBER! When he comes, he is not just a plumber — he is the answer to your need! He's going to fix things for you!!!
Another good example is 'Just a nurse.' That sounds like the person fell short of being an actual doctor. Think about that. Would you want all medical personnel to be doctors? Of course not. Medical care needs orderlies, radiologists, janitors, nurses, therapists, and receptionists. So the person about whom you are speaking is not just a nurse, but instead, chose one of the vocations among all the others needed for your care.
So, watch how you say things . . . guard against using this word that diminishes something. Just a gardener. Just a preacher. Just an administrator.
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