Word To Ponder: Ullage
Today, I’ve selected the noun ullage. It has only two meanings. First, it is the amount of liquid within a container that is lost, as by leakage, during shipment or storage. Is also is the amount, by which a container, such as a bottle, cask, or tank, falls short of being full.
It struck me in a sense that the lost liquid, container, shipment, or storage can be metaphorical for an array of life applications.
How does this relate to you? Is it merely letting life get too busy to remember everything, showing evidence of a life out of balance? Is it losing out on important relationships due to selfishly holding everything in for yourself, and the best of life passes you by and makes you its ullage?
Another interpretation could be selflessly retaining all the important priorities life brings without regard to materialistic leanings. With that approach, the rest becomes ullages and doesn’t hold that person back from living life to their fullest. That perspective is either instilled early on or learned the hard way over time.
There are other metaphors a ullage could be. The big picture is identifying what to retain and what to dispose of. Having higher standards will certainly help you know what a ullage is in your life.
No matter how big or small, deceptive or obvious, knowing what a ullage is and when to release it from your figurative container can’t be understated. It must be done before it overtakes whatever situation it will hinder. A ullage could be a great first impression and that’s what is remembered instead of the current poor follow through.
Let’s not forget the subconscious parts of ullages. What does a good or bad ullage remind you of, compelling you to keep it in your life? A high degree of self-awareness is always needed to minimize your subconscious controlling your life. Stay in touch with yourself. Starting and keeping a journal of any kind is a great way to begin, so long as you keep showing up for yourself daily.
Goals are great, but a system around a goal or goals is the best way to get there. The best system will help you to know when a ullage is present and when to let it out.
A great life is lean, so where will you trim the fatty ullage?