January 26 – Symbolizing Joy: Invent a new punctuation mark that represents Happiness. Then, write three letters (one to a friend, one to a family member, and one to an acquaintance) and use your new symbol profusely. Be creative enough that at least one of the three is likely to ask what the symbol means. Be clear enough that they can probably guess that it relates to ultimate Bliss &/or true Contentment. Be ready to explain the same to them if asked.

While thinking about my own imminent contribution to the world of punctuation, I thought about how others have already blazed this trail, communicating Meaning using everything from symbols …

… to emoticons.

While doing some further research, I found that several folks had already invented symbols for sarcasm,

… irony,

… and incredulity.

And yet, with the exception of a few of the emoticons, I didn’t see any fresh punctuations symbols that were positive; none that expressed the Joy & Peace of the state if being that this Calendar is meant to inspire.

So I thought of the very first Virtue that had enabled me to experience Oneness: Wonderment – the state of being amazed with the innate miraculous that resides at the center of everything “normal”, “boring” & “familiar”.

Seeing as how Wonder for me was somehow tied to the symbol for infinity, that is where I started.

And then I thought of a joyful smile, the raw mirth that welled up from within whenever I experienced any deep connection with my surroundings.

And then I simply combined the two to create the “Bewondermark” – used to express any moment of Joy-filled amazement …

In order to use this mark in any typed texts (should you ever wish to do so), note that when you turn it on its side,

… it resembles the number eight – “8” – followed by a closed parenthesis – “)”.

Note that it might be a good idea to allow the Bewondermark to stand alone in any sentence in which you use it, to make it lightly larger than any surrounding text, and to set it in a bold font, like this:

“That photo is incredibly beautiful! 8 ) … Where did you take it?”

It might be confusing to some folks at first, but if you use it often enough, you will be asked about it,

… and then you’ll be able to share with them what it means! … 8 )

See You when I see you …

… and until then, Be Now!

Scaughdt

Filed under: 366 Days of Kindness by Scaughdt