It’s a standard response to the question, “how are you?” But what are you really saying when you respond as “Fine.”? Fine can become a powerful declaration of your highest self and change how you see others, too.
It’s a standard response to the question, “how are you?” But what are you really saying when you respond as “Fine.”? Fine can become a powerful declaration of your highest self and change how you see others, too.Most of us have said it – I’m fine. We might believe that people don’t really want to know how we are, so it’s easy to say it and dismiss a conversation beneath the surface.
The 4 Meanings of the Response “I’m Fine”
Typically, there are 4 things that “I’m fine” can mean:
- The standard response – i.e., so you don’t have to think about it. It just comes out of us automatically.
- Cut-off response – i.e., I wouldn’t tell you anyway.
- F.I.N.E. – I heard this version from Janina Fisher, author of Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma. It’s code for “Fucked-up, Insecure, Nervous, and Emotional”. But prefer not to say it directly.
- Honest answer – you really are pretty good, doing OK.
However, “fine” can be transformed. This declaration can become an empowering statement, even a transcendent one. And no one else needs to know other than you.
Less-Commonly Used Meanings of Fine
Let’s look at a few of the other definitions of the word fine from the Merriam-Webster dictionary. They are not so frequently used, but can shift our perspective on when we respond this way.
- Superior in kind, quality, or appearance – we know this one. When a woman is described as looking fine. It’s also related to being refined.
- Delicate, subtle, or sensitive in quality, perception, or discrimination
- Free from impurity – this is in reference to the purity of a metal
Think about how you could apply these to your inner qualities and your spiritual essence.
Superior in Quality
Alright, I’m not suggesting that we become boastful or that our egos get out of control. But when we identify with our Divine Self, we align with the highest qualities we can be. Our soul is indeed fine – it transcends our reactivity, shortcomings, and negative thoughts.
Remember that your True Self is refined, or above and beyond your self-imposed limits. You don’t need to keep identifying with the mistakes you have made; you can acknowledge that they have happened, but your Divine Self is who you are, not the things you have done, good or bad.
Keep this in mind in your interactions with others, too. You can choose to believe the more empowering meaning when they respond with “fine.” Rather than being quick to judge, can you allow yourself to perceive their finer qualities and their Divine Self?
Sensitive in Quality and Perception
As we evolve spiritually, we tend to become more sensitive. We increase in awareness and can perceive and detect emotions and energy more strongly than ever before, whether in ourselves or others. Although sometimes this is a challenge (see Highly Sensitive Persons, or Empaths), it’s a sign that our consciousness is expanding and we are much more finely attuned to people and the world around us. You can affirm and appreciate your new, fine gifts!
Free From Impurity
This is another acknowledgement of your Spirit. Many of us are so hard on ourselves. We focus on all our flaws, or believe that we have fatal ones. Again, similar to the “superior in quality” definition of “fine”, we can use this word to remember that the Divine has no blemishes. It is inherently pure and true. That is who we really are, but we need to look beyond the outer appearances to perceive the pure Divine Self within. In every living being, including you.
Just Between You and Me
Sure, you could just keep saying the standard “I’m fine” whenever anyone checks in with your well-being. But you can also have a secret smile and let it be an uplifting affirmation – and you don’t need to tell anyone else what you’re thinking.
The next time you hear it come out of your mouth (or someone else’s), you can choose to focus differently. You can allow “fine” to direct your thoughts and attitude towards your highest Self, your refined awareness, and the pure essence within you and all others. This “fine” is a powerful declaration that can transform your outlook on yourself and your life.
You’re fine, and I’m fine. Let it be our little secret. 🙂
