Recently, I listened to an expert discuss some obscure aspect of European history on my car radio. I cannot, for the life of me, recall the subject of his opinion, but he used a word repeatedly that stood out like a neon sign in the middle of the murky past he expounded upon.
"the social milieu was ripe for a new government..."
"in the milieu that followed....."
Mon Dieu! Another word I don't know! I decided it must mean some type of French soup, used metaphorically in this instance. The drive home was a complete blur, I was so taken with curiosity.
But after some internet research, I discovered that "milieu" has nothing to do with soup, but everything to do with Sanctuary, especially when said with the proper French accent.
Check out this Merriam-Webster definition:
milieu \meel-YUR\ noun
: the physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops : environment
The quiet suburban neighborhood was within walking distance of the
elementary school and provided the perfect milieu for raising a family.
It got me to thinking about the milieu, or environment, I'm creating here at home. You see, each day I have the opportunity to set an atmosphere in which something good can happen. (OK, I've had my share of bad milieu's, too, don't remind me). But the excitement over a simple discovery of an intriguing word has me enchante' with the possibilities.
Today's Small Thing is to create a milieu of your choice. Let's brainstorm:
A fun milieu. Get out the sprinkler, water guns and lemonade.
A relaxing milieu. A book, a pillow, a cup of tea.
How about a milieu of cooperation? Divvy up a list of tasks among family members and get some things accomplished together!
I'd like a milieu of inspiration: tidying my office so I can write and create.
Ooh! A milieu of sibling peace: Give each child a craft or book, and set a timer for quiet time.
Aah! A milieu of belonging: Make a point of telling each family member what you love about them. Do something together.
What sort of environment will you create that will allow something good to develop? Skip the nagging and complaining today, and do something that sets up an atmosphere with purpose. Share your fifty-franc word with your family and see if they can come up ways to incorporate it into your day!
POINTS: 40 for purposefully creating some kind of atmosphere
BONUS POINTS: 20 for sharing today's milieu in the comments!
