I have been surprised that “ish” is now a certified word-game word, as in happyish, busyish, and any other word you want to stick it on the end of. The dictionary definition of ish is to an extent. The children’s book by Peter H. Reynolds uses the word to encourage us to keep using our talents even if we are not exactly where we want them to be–as in when we are drawing a vase and it only looks like a vase to an extent.

For many years, before this book was published and way before ish became widely used, my nephew, Justin and I have used ish differently: as an abbreviation for “I’m Super Happy.” It was our code word, especially when we were feeling the opposite of super happy. Because of that, I always smile when I hear or use the word ish and can see Justin’s face change when he says it! Thank God for the power of our words to make us better.

You go Ish! I’m super happy!

March on!