Are you like me, who has certain words that just…grate? Words that you hear so much, seemingly everywhere you go, whether online or IRL, that they at minimum lose their meaning and maximum make you want to throw things?
I could preface what I’m about to say with the phrase “unpopular opinion”, but to me that’s another phrase that I dislike because of it’s overuse in the current American English lexicon. It’s certainly an attention-grabber, but it seems to me whatever comes next after that phrase is often not an unpopular opinion.
I believe “journey” is an over-used word.
I prefer the word “path” (says the blogger with the word path in the title of their publication).
Per Merriam-Webster, the definition of the word “journey” is thus: “something suggesting travel or passage from one place to another”.
Also per Merriam-Webster, the definition of the word “path” is both “a trodden way” and “a track specially constructed for a specific use”.
I recognize and appreciate that both the words “journey” and “path” are often used figuratively as opposed to literally.
I prefer the word “path” over “journey” because it feels more concrete. It’s not so “hippy dippy” sounding; it connotes purposeful action. The word “path” feels weightier and rougher. More grounded and real than the ethereal “journey”.
This is why I’m glad I chose to call this blog “Pollyanna’s Path” and not “Pollyanna’s Journey”. It suits me better.
Now, the “Pollyanna” part is a whole other ball of wax for me at this point on my blogging path. I may pontificate on that in a future blog post.
The “path” part feels right to me creatively. I created this “track” just over 8 years ago. It hasn’t been entirely smooth or straight. It’s had moments where it lost its way a bit and moments of silent reflection. It’s had times where it saw something shiny in the distance and switched gears to try something new. Sometimes it resonated with readers, sometimes it did not. It’s all part of this writing path of mine.
I do, however, quite enjoy one version of “journey”…..
Pollyanna's Path 
I’ve never thought about the real meaning of ‘journey’ and you know what? I agree with you. I like ‘path’ better because like you said it connotes purposeful action. I’m glad you brought this to my attention— not that I use ‘journey’ often but henceforth I’ll say ‘path’ unless I want to be hippy dippy. 😉
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I also reserve the right to be “hippy dippy” sometimes 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
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Your post made me think about overused words or phrases I don’t care for. “It is what it is,” comes to mind.
Journey was one of my favorite bands back in the day. The whole thing with Steve Perry’s voice, burnout, and anxiety is sad. I feel like we missed out on another decade of good music.
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Ooh…I like that my post got you thinking! I have been known to use the phrase “it is what it is” at times but it’s not my favorite either. It has a “Debbie Downer” vibe to it don’t you think? Thanks for commenting!
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Ha, Journey! Yes, I appreciate the band much more than the overused word. I read the start of this post yesterday, right before I took my kid to the ortho. I thought, if his orthodontist talks about my kid’s orthodontic journey, I’m gonna bust! She didn’t, thankfully, because I would have looked crazy. Thanks for giving me something to think–and chuckle–about!
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I’m glad it’s not just me! It tickles me that I made you think a bit and chuckle. Thanks for commenting 🙂
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You’re right, Rhonda. Journey is overused. I say that knowing full well that I overuse it. Thanks for making me think!
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Glad I’m not the only one who thinks that. Happy to provide a little something for you to think on!
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