The Wisdom of a Cliche

We are all familiar with them.  Little sayings that people repeatedly use so often that they are now all too common and have lost some of their power.  There’s even a saying that people preface before using them.. or sarcastically remark after someone has said one.

“Oh, that’s SO cliche.”

Cliches are defined as a phrase or an opinion that is overused , lacks original thought, and has lost it’s impact.    

I happen to love them.  There’s just so much wisdom in them.  And I’m sure that the original authors or humans who coined these phrases lived through some life experiences that made them very wise.  And for those of us who have followed in thier footsteps, those of us who have also endured some life altering experiences, we know that at times there really is no point in reinventing the wheel.

Cliche’s speak truth. They don’t mince words.  They are to the point.

I know first hand, that “life is too short.”

Is there another way to say this?  A way that coveys they same message?  No.

Life. Is. Short.

We’re here for a good time, not a long , right?

I am also wise to the fact that in life, “it really is just the little things that matter most.” Most people just don’t get this.  The simple joys of the every day. The seemingly mundane tasks. People are only awakened to this cliche when they realize that these little things might be taken away. The ability to simply breathe.  To feel your breath as you inhale and exhale.  The miracle of oxygen exchange.  The ability to move our bodies. To watch our children play.  To use our hands to cook a meal. To listen to and appreciate a beautiful song.  The beautiful simplicity of the little things.

So before you utter the words and roll your eyes at someone who’s just used a cliche, maybe think about why they chose to use it and think of the true meaning behind those words.

Afterall… at the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.