“We have a language that is full of ambiguities; we have a way of expressing ourselves that is often complex and elusive, poetic and modulated; all our thoughts can be rendered with absolute clarity if we bother to put the right dots and squiggles between the words in the right places. Proper punctuation is both the sign and the cause of clear thinking.” — Lynne Truss, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
This year, rather than choosing one word to guide my thoughts and actions, I plan to focus on punctuation, on the meaning that is conveyed through the smallest lines and dots in written communication and through cadence, tone, and expression in verbal communication.
I will be cognizant of and convey clear, concise meaning with full stops — period.
I will listen for pauses in thought — for the subtlety of commas, the spontaneity of parentheses, and the urgency of an em dash. (And, as always, I will insist upon an Oxford comma.)
I will cite sources to honor and promote the ideas of others.
I will continue to question, to wonder, and to seek clarification.
I will express and celebrate joy, but will continue to refrain from using gratuitous exclamation points.
