How many times can you recall playing in the school yard as a child and someone invariably shouts out, “I’m going to tell the teacher you said the F-word.”   Yes, that oh so dubious F-word with all the nefarious connotations that go along with it will surely get you in trouble on the playground. But what about when you are no longer a child, should you still be chastised for using the F-word, often described as vile and obscene?

One may think that after we reach that particular age when the school yard is no longer our venue for social outings, we are allowed to say and do as we wish.   In fact, I have often heard people who have lived to see at least half a century, remark that they are at the age to say and do what ever the hell they please.  

However, when people make such statements I often wonder if they really mean that they would say anything.   To believe that then, one must really not take the opinions of others into the consideration.   Ah, that is it!   At a certain age, many individuals begin to think about the inevitable end, and I believe that this distant view of their final days gives them the gumption to stand up and finally be seen.   In their minds, they have arrived and can no longer be reported to the teacher!

So you can imagine if someone is in that frame of mind where they really have convinced themselves that they can do whatever they want, you will more than likely hear many F-words spewed your way.   You will have a flock of furious four letter words flying or even falling on the very foundation of your being as you stand deciding how to respond or react to such a frightening onslaught of polysyllabic vileness.

On the other hand, it is not the practice of all middle-aged folk to turn their mouths into sewers, but most have learned to speak their minds.   What is it then that propels some to use the F-word, while others shun it so voraciously?

I have heard people, both young and old, describe that F-word as something so nasty they would never utter it from their lips.   Then again, there are those who say it is the only word that can make them feel better when they feel angry or are in pain. For them it is the icing on the cake.

Of course some of those people, who would not use the F-word, have not restricted themselves from using the S-word, A-word, or even the D-word.   In fact, the reason they would use those more “socially acceptable” expressions is the same reason given before; it is a way for them to express a strong emotion.

The bottom line is that people need words to express themselves.   Everyday ordinary individuals experience emotions daily, and want to, or some may say, need to, verbally express how they feel.   Perhaps they choose verbiage that is not pleasing to those within earshot, but the release gives them some relief.

Am I advocating for free unfettered usage of the F-word? No. That particular verb, noun or interjection, it really depends on how it is used, is one of those taboo words that is not acceptable in social settings.   However, what I am suggesting is that we free ourselves enough to express what we feel at the appropriate time.

We ought not wait until we reach the age of 50, 60 or 70 before we decide that it is okay for me to be angry and actually express that anger.   At whatever age, we need to be able to verbally express how we feel in order for us to begin to understand why we feel that way.

This week I invite you to say lots of F-words.   If your mind shuts down at the thought, here are a few to consider: fantastic, fabulous, fresh, friend, festive, and freedom.   The next time you feel like you are about to explode and you need a release, just shout an F-word and feel the negativity flow from your body.