For Sure, It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green
We feel good about green. And we feel bad. From the comfort of the green, green grass of home to the torture of the green-eyed monster and everything in between, green is the most prevalent color in the spectrum visible to the human eye. Its ubiquity assures that it will touch the widest range of emotions of any other color.
But Would A Green Person Say ‘Ubiquity’?
Well that depends on who you ask. For many people, labelling someone as ‘green’ usually denotes inexperience. It is rather dubious that an uninitiated and unsophisticated greenhorn would have the wherewithal to employ the locution ‘ubiquity’.
And it’s exactly that kind of smug, wise-guy comment which causes my beloved Maggie to label me as Mr. Green based on her introductory study of ‘True Colors’. In this context, green is the color of the cool, aloof smarty-pants.
To further illustrate the difference, the first type of ‘green’ inexperienced person would most likely ask, “Where would I find the meaning of the word ‘ubiquity’?” To which the second type of ‘green’ sagacious individual would answer, “Look around… you’ll find it everywhere.”
You’ll only see the humor in this if you’re the second type…
So why aren’t you laughing?
It’s the know-nothings vs. know-it-alls… they are indeed ubiquitous. In the immortal words of Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy bein’ green.”
Go… But Why Would You Want to Go There?
Just as black is the opposite of white, green is the opposite of red.
So why does green mean go?
Because red means stop.
Well then, why does red mean stop?
See, sagacious Mr. Green is curious. He seeks answers until he finds them. That’s what makes the Mr. Greens of the world seem like know-it-alls.
This sometimes embarrasses his friends (embarrassment is a red trait).
If Mr. Green keeps this up, he may even anger his friends (anger is yet another red trait).
This explains why Mr. Green is cool and aloof. He has NO friends left.
Stop, Mr. Green. STOP!
Just answer the question, “Why does red mean stop?”
Apparently, there is some primal thing instilled into every human being. We instinctively think of danger whenever we see blood or fire, traditionally red in color – (unless you have a gas stove where the low flame color is blue… folks, are you starting to feel bad for Maggie yet?)
Because of this, red traffic signals were the most obvious choice to warn people of danger.
And because green is the opposite of red… hey, don’t make me go over this again.
Moving On to Greener Pastures
A green floral arrangement is the perfect symbol of optimism and renewal. In flowers, the color green represents renewal, growth, luck, youthfulness, health and the ability to bounce back. In fact, green is said to be the very color of Mother Nature. Think of how nice it is to see the first signs of green after a long, grey winter!
As for jewelry, green is the color of balance. Wearing precious gemstones such emeralds and jade are claimed to bring more peace, hope and optimism to the wearer.
Real wisdom cautions us to remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Those who look outside themselves for improvement in the areas of peace, hope and happiness may never find what they are looking for. Instead, when they use gifts such as flowers and jewelry to remind themselves to reflect on their own inner gifts of peace, hope and happiness, those things can then multiply and magnify.
Break for a Little Green Trivia
What is the national color of Ireland?
If you are like me, you probably blurted out ‘green’ without even giving it a second thought. After all, shamrocks, St. Patrick’s Day, and the ‘Luck of the Irish’ have long been associated with the color green.
But did you know that the official national color of Ireland is… BLUE?
Go ahead, Google it for yourself.
As I keep saying, you have to take up blogging if only for the interesting tidbits you’ll garnish through your research.
Mr. Green just added another piece of information which will come in handy some day… now if only he had some friends to talk to.
Defeating the Green-Eyed Monster
Jealousy has been linked with the color green since the time of Shakespeare. In fact, the very first reference to the green-eyed monster can be found in Shakespeare’s play, “The Merchant of Venice” written circa 1600.
Our earliest ancestors were far more observant and perceptive than we are today. They noticed that a person’s skin tone reflected what was going on inside. Of course, we still recognize that blushing indicates embarrassment. But can you tell the even more subtle skin tone changes when someone is harboring hatred and jealousy in their hearts.
When you experience strong emotions whether good or bad, you know you feel ‘something’. It’s the result of complex biochemical changes going on in your body, and your body simply cannot lie or cover up… it shows! Apparently, our ancestors observed that the skin tone literally took on a greenish tinge, thus the saying, “Green with envy”.
Again, it amazes me to see how many people look outside of themselves, not only for peace and happiness, but especially for the cause of their pain and jealousy. Statements such as, “She makes me so angry” or “It’s his fault that I feel this way.”
If you are dealing with any strong negative emotional issues, first of all be thankful.
“What? Are you nuts, Russ?”
Some people would debate that point.
The reason I say that you should be thankful for bad feelings is that they are your body’s natural warning signal – much like our red light above. They are telling you to stop; that there is danger if you keep going. Be thankful for the red light!
“Geez, if I carry my own warning light inside of me, I wonder what else is in there? Could the answer to my own happiness be in there, too?”
Now you’re thinking. 
If you’re dealing with your own green-eyed monster, or any other strong negative emotion issues, this could be your lucky day. Click on the shamrock to see how you can get rid of those monsters and dragons once and for all.
Can’t Get Enough – Go Green:
Defeating the Green-Eyed Monster
Colors – The Unspoken Communicators
White
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
Brown
Black
