* Dinna Fash Yersel

Last week I met a woman at a supermarket check out who had lived in Aberdeen (Scotland).  She asked me where I was from in Scotland. This is pretty unusual here in the US.

As an aside –  People will remark on what a cute accent I have, and will then ask … Are you Irish? Nope 🙂 Never been there 🙂

I told her I was brought up outside Edinburgh and had lived in Aberdeen for 8 years.  Perhaps she heard some of the lilt. And we then started exchanging pleasantries in the Doric (Aberdeen Scots dialect)

Fit like quinie?

Nae bad…. an yersel?

Chafin awa!

Dinna fash yersel aboot baggin, I’m happy to dae it.

~ooO00~

Fit like quinie is a common greeting for a woman friend or girl. How are things going lassie?

Chafin awa means going along fine. Life is good. I’m content going with the chaff and the flow of life.

Dinna fash yersel  means, don’t worry (english) or get your knickers in a twist (lowland Scots). It comes up in conversation as a way to tell someone its no bother, or don’t bother yourself about something.

I never thought of saying it to myself… but the pleasant exchange reminded me what a powerful message it can be if we did direct it to ourselves.

Imagine when you find yourself judging someone and then feel so bad about it that you judge yourself for not being good enough and start beating yourself up.

Dinna fash yersel Lass!

Let it go! Don’t worry! Don’t stress about it! No need to get into a sweat or become anxious!

Dinna fash yersel … all will be well.

And with this awareness, it is.

… Aye – I’ll hae fond memories o’ Aberdeen in ma dreams the niche. And maybe some scenes from Outlander thrown in there 😉