Say More: At Last She Writes It

No. 27 | November 2024

*A Word from our Curator*

“It’s complicated.”

It feels like those two words can explain every aspect of our current lives. Our careers, marriages, schedules, finances, relationships, requirements, necessities, desires. Every facet of life seems to require great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining. For many of us, our spirituality is no different: It’s complicated.

It’s a little phrase that explains nothing and means everything all at the same time. These two words are both simple and hold so much weight and meaning. “It’s complicated” has a negative connotation while implying a level of exhaustion and blasé.

I do not even have the energy to explain the situation to you.

To be honest, I’m sick of saying it. It’s trite and overused. I’m tired of using those two words to describe my spiritual journey. A quick google search brought up definitions for “complicated” and I scanned the online dictionary in hopes that I would find the perfect synonym to replace the worn-out phrase.  

Complicated (adjective)

consisting of parts intricately combined; difficult to analyze, understand, or explain

Challenging. Tangled.

Complex. Inexplicable.

Muddled. Incomprehensible.

 Snarled. Difficult.

Convoluted. Unfathomable.

The implied negativity wreaks havoc on my emotions and adds to the level of tension I feel about the liminal space I float in. I almost closed the webpage in exasperation, but instead I scrolled down.

Complicated (adjective)

made or done with great care or with much detail; as in sophisticated

Intricate. Deepened.

Detailed. Developed.

Varied. Expanded.

Exquisite. Intensified.

Elaborate. Involved.

As I scan this list, I see words that I actually appreciate. Synonyms that I feel explain the growth and goodness that exist in my liminal space as well. Not negative. Not blasé.

Well, damn.

It seems that, “it’s complicated” really is the best description of where I am.

*No matter how you define your spirituality, please give space and understanding for those of us for whom, “it’s complicated.”*